Pretrial Interviewer

PRETRIAL INTERVIEWER
Court Services Division

Non-Exempt
Paygrade 7
$17.03 hr./ $35,422.40 annually

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

MAJOR FUNCTION
This position interviews defendants booked into the Polk County Jail for the purpose of collecting the defendant’s demographic information for inclusion into the First Appearance interview documentation package; organizes and prepares the First Appearance interview documentation package and any other applicable documents that are necessary for the First Appearance Judge to conduct the First Appearance hearing. This is accomplished by communicating with various agencies and their personnel to effectively produce an accurate and comprehensive report package that correctly illustrates to the First Appearance Judge and other court personnel the defendant’s prior criminal history as well as a synopsis of the defendant’s demographic information collected from the defendant during the Pretrial Services interview.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Interviews defendants booked in the Polk County jail during the pretrial phase of their criminal court action(s), those with military or parole commission holds and those who are sentenced prisoners from a correctional facility with an order to secure to the Polk County Jail.
• Obtains demographic information from the defendant, i.e. defendant’s legal name, any aliases, social security number, home address, mailing address, prior residence information, overall residence stability, age, DOB, sex, race, offenses currently charged with, date of arrest, out of county arrest history, current employment and employment stability, educational background, ties to the community, marital status and stability, family status and stability, (financial status including ownership of property), military service, prior and current local criminal history, prior and current state criminal history, prior and current national criminal history as available, physical health status, mental health status, alcohol and drug use, abuse and/or involvement in treatment and references.
• Verifies all information obtained from the defendant through the use of multiple applications to include, but not limited to, CJIS system, NCIC/FCIC database, etc. or other approved investigative methods.
• Review defendant’s pretrial release status during interview process and report any prior open cases to the court via the first appearance packet.
• Prepares and completes applicable and required forms, reports, and memorandums. Performs related duties as required by the Supervisor and/or Director.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• The person chosen for this position must have knowledge of the Pretrial Services organization and function of the court system; court procedures and operations; and proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other various applications.
• Working knowledge and understanding of investigative procedures and laws related to the receipt, maintenance, and distribution of confidential court records.
• Knowledge of penal code regulations and jail procedures.
• Knowledge of laws and procedures relating to maintenance of confidential court records.
• Ability to become familiar with Criminal Justice Agencies and applicable community resources.
• Capability to maintain an effective working relationship with court, law enforcement officials and other personnel in the public.
• Ability to work independently, but also in a team dynamic to accomplish work tasks in a timely manner as well as independently.
• Work well with others in a fast paced, high-energy environment.
• Effectively troubleshoot and provide solutions on demand and as applicable.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Possess strong observation and organization skills.
• Maintain a high rate of productivity in a pressurized and fast paced environment.
• Work effectively with community partners to include, but not limited to, the Office of the State Attorney; Office of the Public Defender; Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Community supervision agencies, etc.
• Perform all essential job duties as identified and required by the Court Services Division.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must be able to utilize all features afforded by word processing software, spread sheet, and data management software.

Must possess a valid driver license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver license at the time of employment within this classification.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• Because Court Services Division and Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) have a high degree of public accountability, regular attendance, punctuality, and integrity are essential requirements of this position.
• Must have own daily transportation and telephone as employee is subject to call.
• Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigations procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character.
• Must successfully clear pre-employment psychological evaluations.
• Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. This certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.

This position shall be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.