Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is an entry-level, grant-funded position with the Pretrial Services Department, which operates as a full-service bail agency for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.  Work assignments are clerical in nature but remain diversified to facilitate learning the department's basic operations and necessary familiarity with the criminal justice system.  Work may be routine but requires analytic thinking within well-established procedures. Initial training is closely supervised by clerical or administrative superior.  Since many assignments may take place away from the office setting, the ability to retain learned procedures is essential.  While operations of the Pretrial Services Department are continuous, necessity to work on a weekend or other than the normal business hours of court may arise.

As with any entity within the First Judicial District, the Pretrial Services Department may be called upon to ensure the performance of essential duties or functions as deemed so by administrative and governing bodies, which may result in an individual being available perform essential tasks during court closures and/or non-traditional hours. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Knowledge of English language and spelling.
• POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE; ABILITY TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE (CAR).
• Ability to make basic arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to learn the operation of office machines.
• Ability to learn and retain information as to court regulations regarding specific clerical procedures.
• Ability to communicate in a well-informed, effective, and professional manner with public and governmental agencies dealing with Pretrial Services Department operations.
• Ability to meet approved minimal physical and medical standards including standing, stooping, bending, and lifting.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications – Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

                                                OR

1.  Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which also includes a bachelors degree.
2. Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license prior to and during tenure of employment.
3. Successful completion of an interview process by a panel review after meeting minimum application standards.
4. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation
5. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of an employment orientation period.
6. May be required to work essential operations during emergency court closures or varied shifts if/when necessary based on the court’s needs.
7. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
8. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Requirements set forth above for entry level paraprofessional position at Pretrial Services Department.  Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment if required by work assignment.  This requirement must be maintained for related promotional positions of the paraprofessional operation of the Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION.  THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

• Receives requests from court officials, lawyers, the public, police department, and prison officials as related to court operations with respect to bail and appointment of counsel.
• Sorts and files legal documents, case folders and other papers according to predetermined filing system; collects and codes data from various law enforcement and court agencies as related and contained in a data processing system.
• Performs courier duties as related to delivery and pickup of materials and supplies between the Pretrial Services Department and the various agencies it deals with on a daily basis.
• Attends bail review hearings and presents information as related to pretrial supervision.
• Performs related work and other duties as required.

Additional Information

SALARY:      $38,216 - $41,319 (P06)

FILING DEADLINE:  APRIL 24, 2023

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 24, 2023.   

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.