About the Department
Position Duties
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
As a professional with experience in and understanding of justice-involved individuals, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the community. As a Social Service Specialist, you will work with clients and/or their attorneys to provide release planning, case management, crisis management, advocacy, and referral of services to clients.
Pierce County District Court (PCDC) is dedicated to offering the most effective and efficient methods of administering criminal justice. PCDC has remained focused on improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals. This involves working with the entire individual and recognizing and addressing all of their risks and needs and not treating the individual as simply another case to manage. Best practices are utilized throughout PCDC, from our therapeutic courts to our probation division. The workforce of PCDC is diverse and resembles the community to which it serves, but recognizes there is always room to improve and better serve the public.
Why It's a Great Department
The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an
independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law,
society, and individual rights; provide open, accessible, and effective forums
for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient, and timely
manner; and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties. Pierce
County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, hearing the following
cases:
- Traffic and non-traffic infractions
- Criminal and criminal-traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
- Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes, no greater than $100,000
- Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000
- Name changes
- Antiharassment protection orders
- Stalking protection orders
How to be Successful in the Role:
This position is in our Community Court, working with participants independently and as part of the court team. You will connect participants with social services, housing, and treatment to reduce recidivism. Prior to each court session, you will update the team on participant progress at staffing, attend court sessions, monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions, collaborate with partner agencies, and provide status updates to the court. Basic knowledge of substance use and mental health disorders, ability to navigate community resources by providing assistance with housing, employment, medical, and a variety of other social service needs. Develop ongoing collaborative relationships with service providers and other stakeholders.
Your Future in this Role:
We need candidates with strong abilities and experience in the following:
- Organization skills – ability to manage several participants in two growing community court programs
- Time Management – able to manage your time wisely to fit in meetings with participants, completing evaluations, working with providers, preparing status reports, attending staffing and court hearings.
- Multitasking while working under pressure – there are strict deadlines and participation in live court sessions
- Self-starter – ability to take initiative to make sure the participants are set up for success and the team is kept informed of the status of each participant
- Working with people in the criminal justice system who come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences
- Continuity – one of the key items that makes community courts successful is continuity in the team, and that requires regular attendance and active participation
- Quick Learner – ability to hit the ground running to get up to speed with the court and our processes.
Core Responsibilities: - Collect data concerning client(s).
- Coordinate services between providers, state, county and community resource partners and Department of Assigned Council (DAC).
- Enroll client in approved service(s) and assure funding has been approved.
- Prepare release and service plans for the client as directed to assist attorney in securing favorable client outcomes.
- Attend committee meetings and service staffings.
- Conduct client observation, assessments and studies.
To view the complete classification, click here.
Minimum Qualifications
- Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis for the recruiting requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in law, social services, human services, behavioral science, criminal justice or an allied field is required.
- Two years of social service experience in the criminal justice system preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:
- Applicant must be able to pass a Pierce County background check, which includes a criminal history check prior to employment.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license to meet the travel requirements of the position is required prior to appointment.
Other Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, please:
- Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?