Service Support Specialist - Probation

Salary: $36.97 - $45.36 Hourly
Location : Bremerton, WA
Job Type: REGULAR FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2025-00006
Department: Municipal Court
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 2/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

General Function
The salary indicated above reflects 2024 rates and includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years).
The industry title commonly used for this position is "Misdemeanant Probation Officer". The incumbent will perform in the areas of administrative review, intervention services, drug testing and sentencing alternatives. The Service Support Specialist (SSS) will also interact with inmates and offenders referred by the courts to the various programs and services. Programs in which the SSS can expect to be involved include, but are not limited to, Monitored Probation, Alternative Detention, and court programming. This role is accomplished through providing services and programs that afford opportunities for offenders to change behavior; monitoring compliance with pre-trial release or post-conviction orders, electronic home monitoring and jail; reporting client compliance status to the court; resolving conflicts; and serving as a liaison between the court and the probationer.

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Note - this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

• Monitors clients under jail alternative programs including community work service, day reporting, or electronic monitoring to ensure court orders and jail alternative requirements are fulfilled. Provides reports indicating status and completion of jail alternative requirements. Reports client non-compliance in written reports.
• Maintains contact and correspondence with the court, community agencies, clients, physicians, treatment providers, and other applicable interests in order to supervise compliance and progress of cases; maintains comprehensive log of contacts, information obtained, and actions taken relative to cases.
• Interview and screen clients with active criminal cases to determine current or future ability to pay legal financial obligations.
• Assists clients with challenges that affect individual case plans, including but not limited to: vocational, educational, or employment planning. When necessary consults on complex cases.
• Screens for eligibility for assignment to a Public Defender and if qualified refers to appropriate public defender.
• Provides information on pre-trial and post-trial monitoring such as ignition interlock, transdermal alcohol monitoring, electronic home detention and global position monitoring.
• Facilitate programming for clients in the areas of Moral Reconation Therapy-Domestic Violence, standard MRT and Coping with Anger MRT to include, intake, tracking progress and attendance, and performing data collection as required.
• Coordinates and secures drug and alcohol testing from clients as required by court or Support Services.
• Refers clients to approved community service work sites, considering risk factors and the ability of the client.
• Performs outreach work in the community to promote the Support Services.
• Refers clients to community agencies as applicable to the individual case.
• Responds to telephone and written requests for information from other probation departments, treatment agencies and criminal justice agencies.
• Position may represent Support Services as assigned, as a member of Therapeutic Court. Provides support to therapeutic courts; provides client information at court staffing; assists Therapeutic Court Case Manager as needed with caseload.
• Conducts scheduled administrative reviews; makes appropriate chronological entries in electronic case management system.
• Dockets monthly pretrial diversion agreement and suspended sentence administrative review calendar; sets any required review hearings and refers appropriate case closures to the Judge.
• Audits probation warrant reports, stagnant case reports, and court calendars for cohesion between support services case management system and judicial case management system.
• Logs monthly status reports from treatment agencies, mental health facilities and court ordered programming into appropriate databases; scans reports into appropriate files and notifies parties of violations.
• Assists in researching, revising and implementing policies and procedures as authorized for all new and current programs.
• Connects to the community with regular and on-going visits to service agencies, jail, partner Courts or other social service agencies.
• Creates, summarizes, reviews, edits or distributes a variety of documents such as correspondence, reports, records, legal documents, or forms. Performs research and prepares related reports.
• Attends departmental meetings to stay informed on policies, procedures, and overall program progress. Attends seminars and workshops to increase knowledge of case management, substance use and mental health disorders, modern court innovations and other topics as related to position.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, other agencies, including court personnel, attorneys, police, treatment providers and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance the workload.
• Act as security for the courthouse to relieve the security officer for a lunch break or emergency when a Bremerton Police Department Warrant Officer is not available.
• In the event a person is taken into custody from the courtroom or on a bench warrant and a Bremerton Police Officer is not readily available, the probation officer will supervise the defendant until an Officer arrives.

Other Duties

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Perform related work as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

• Knowledge of court rules, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, JIS, JABS, Tyler Supervision, and OCourt computer systems.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law and procedures in Washington State.
• Knowledge of tracking, data collection and case management principles.
• Ability to work independently under high pressure to prioritize caseloads and meet timelines and directives.
• Ability to effectively use interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient and courteous manner.
• Ability to collect relevant case evidence and information and apply this information to solve practical problems associated with the case.
• Ability to work with culturally, ethnically and socio-economically diverse populations.
• Ability to work with individuals who may require assistance dealing with substance use disorders, domestic violence, sexual deviance, mental health, housing, employment, parenting, disabilities, and literacy issues.
• Ability to interact with emotionally distraught, irate and combative individuals.
• Ability to enforce and monitor court requirements and report all violations.
• Ability to serve as an agent of the court, sometimes without complete client confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise and demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude towards offenders.
• Ability to accept authority as well as use authority.
• Ability to respond to inquiries/complaints from victims, witnesses, offenders, outside agencies or the public.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers and other agency staff and professionals.
• Ability to read, comprehend, speak and write English.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks to ensure efficient workflow.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work or any other closely related field as required by ARLJ 11; or
• Two years of experience as a probation officer or equivalent position; and
• Two years of experience in the criminal justice system, social work, or similar field that includes caseload management, direct client services, support services or criminal law.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Must successfully pass background check.
• Must successfully pass background clearance for access to Kitsap County jail.
• Must join the Misdemeanant Probation Association (MPA) within 45 days of employment.
• Must obtain Misdemeanant Probation Certification within six (6) months of employment as required by WAC 139-10-210, pending class availability.
• Must obtain certification as a facilitator for MRT Program(s) as designated by the SSA.
• Must obtain certification in the Risk Assessment System as designated by the SSA.
• Maintain continuing education credits, a minimum of eight (8) credits per year.

An

equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to

successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

must be demonstrated by the applicant.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.
• Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Fingering. Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Feeling. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as: operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm's reach; performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature, such as carpenter, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The worker is subject to environmental conditions. Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Examination Process and Required Documents

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.

Applicants can apply on-line at , or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Cobweb, or by calling (360) 473-5348.

Required Application Materials: City application and personal rsum are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume.

Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant's education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant's training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:

Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.

Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.

Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.

LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.
Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.
Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies.

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee. It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of the City of Bremerton to offer equal employment opportunity to all individuals. The City of Bremerton will administer all actions with respect to employment practices in compliance with federal, state and local laws, and will not discriminate in any employment practice on the basis of age (40+), sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, marital status, military status, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.
The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE
Effective the first of the month following the date of hire, regular employees are eligible for the City's medical and dental plans. Employees are also eligible for vision insurance on the first day of the month in which the third consecutive monthly premium payment is made on their behalf.

Currently, the City pays the premium for your choice of one of two health insurance plans, Kaiser Permanente or Regence HealthFirst 250 Plan. To cover dependents employee's pay 20% of the dependent premium. Dependents may be added when you are hired, within 30 days of birth or adoption, during the annual open enrollment, or if you have a qualifying event (e.g. marriage, divorce, spouse loss of job or medical coverage). Detailed coverage and rate information is available from Human Resources.

The City provides a dental plan through Washington Dental Service for employee and dependents at no cost to the employee. Dependents can be added when hired, within 30 days of birth or adoption, or at annual open enrollment.

STIPEND IN LIEU OF MEDICAL COVERAGE
An employee who waives the right to obtain medical insurance coverage through the City and who provides proof of credible coverage through his/her spouse or other source shall be entitled to receive a a monthly stipend as outlined below:

Employee Only $250.00
Employee & Spouse $300.00
Employee, Spouse & 1 Dependent $350.00
Employee, Spouse & 2 Dependents $400.00
Employee & 1 Dependent $300.00
Employee & 2 Dependents $350.00

Employees are required to notify Human Resources, in writing, of their desire to waive medical coverage.

TEAMSTERS WELFARE TRUST VISION BENEFIT PLAN
Eligible candidates must participate. See Summary Plan Description for details.

LIFE INSURANCE
Life Insurance is available at the employee's expense in amounts from $10,000 to $500,000. You may enroll when hired or at annual open enrollment.

VOLUNTARY LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
LTD coverage is available at the employee's expense. LTD will pay you up to 60% of your salary if you become disabled for more than 90 days due to the same or a related sickness or injury, which must be accumulated within a 180 day period.

RETIREMENT
The City provides a comprehensive retirement program through the Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) or Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). If you have an account established in PERS prior to October 1, 1977, Plan 1 would apply or after October 1, 1977, Plan 2 would apply. Effective September 1, 2002, you have the option of Plan 2 or Plan 3. You have 90 days from your employment date to choose between Plan 2 and Plan 3. If you have not decided within 90 days of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in Plan 3, Option A, at 5%. PSERS Plan 2 was created by the 2004 Legislature for certain public employees whose jobs contain a high degree of physical risk to their own personal safety. Employees hired into eligible PSERS positions on or after July 1, 2006 will automatically become members of PSERS.

The PERS plans 1 and 2 are defined benefit plans to be taken when you qualify for retirement. Service credit and average final compensation with a minimum of 5 years service for vesting determine the amount of the benefit. Plan 3 is a combination of defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan. See your plan booklets for further information

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
You may choose from three different plans. You may contribute with a minimum of $30 per month and a maximum annual contribution of $23,000.

For additional benefit information, click