Pretrial & Justice Specialist I

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: General Summary $60,990-$81,714 This position is onsite. Do you want to make a real impact on the lives of individuals navigating the criminal justice system? Under general supervision, you’ll support a wide range of Pretrial & Justice Services functions, working with both pretrial and sentenced individuals. In this role, depending on your assignment, you may conduct assessments in local jails or lockups, make informed bail recommendations in District and Circuit Courts, supervise court ordered release conditions, and You may also facilitate groups and work directly with clients in the Step Forward Program, helping them build skills that support positive decision making, encourage prosocial behavior, and promote successful engagement within their community. What You’ll Do • Interview defendants and complete assessments to support court decisions • Present bail recommendations in District and Circuit Courts • Monitor and supervise individuals placed on pretrial or sentenced community programs • Develop treatment plans and facilitate group or individual sessions in specialized programs • Maintain detailed documentation using Countywide and department software • Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, and internal teams to support successful outcomes Why You’ll Love It • You’ll directly contribute to public safety and community wellbeing • Every day offers meaningful, hands-on work that helps individuals move forward • Opportunities to use your communication, assessment, and case management skills • A supportive team environment with varied assignments to fit your strengths • The chance to grow your career in Pretrial and Justice Services Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field of study. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license. Must pass a background check performed by the County or other appropriate agencies as required. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Conducts interviews with misdemeanor and felony defendants and completes pretrial risk assessments. Prepares and/or presents bail recommendations to the courts. Run LEIN, access IMCAS and other databases. Monitors defendants ordered to pretrial supervision as a condition of their bail via telephone or in person. Provides reports to the court regrading program compliance. Answers and responds to inquiries from court, probation officers, program participants and other agencies. Provides case management services to adult pretrial and/or sentenced defendants. Conducts intake interview and assesses defendants to develop comprehensive treatment aimed at reducing recidivism. Imposes sanctions and/or rewards as prescribed by policy. When appropriate, arrange for incarcerated defendants / offenders to be released into alternative programming. Acts as a liaison between treatment programs and criminal justice agencies. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES May be required to work afternoons, midnights, and/or weekends and holidays. ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to communicate to accurately convey information. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger. WORKING CONDITIONS May encounter situations where people could become confrontational. May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work. When Assigned to Pretrial Services - Interviews are conducted within the jail booking area or local police lockups. Preparation of reports is conducted within an office setting; employee may be assigned to any District Court within Oakland County IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of and skill in investigating, interviewing and counseling practices, procedures, and techniques. Familiarity with criminal justice system process Considerable ability to prepare and present technical written and oral reports. Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail Reasonable ability to communicate under adverse conditions with distressed and diverse populations. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software. Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Easily adaptable to changes in work assignment, shift, or location. Additional Minimum Qualifications Union* BU85 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Public Services Non-Supv (UAW) *If applicable EEO Statement We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Inclusion Statement Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.