Case Manager Pre-Trial Services (Spanish Speaking)

DEPARTMENT:             PROBATION

TITLE OF POSITION:     Case Manager Pre-Trial Services (Spanish Speaking) (PROVISIONAL*) 

LOCATION:                    One Niagara Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202

JOB GROUP:                 7- $49,379- $68,224
WORK SCHEDULE:      MONDAY-FRIDAY; 9:00AM-5:00PM  

DATE OF POSTING:      February 27, 2025

*Please note that this position is a competitive civil service title and will require taking a future civil service examination. Selection for permanent appointment(s) will be made from reachable candidate(s) on the eligible list according to the NYS Civil Service Rule of Three.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves identification and assessment of pre-trial detainees who are appropriate for pre-trial release without financial conditions, including those of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture and/or those who speak Spanish as the primary language, as part of the County's Pre-Trial Release Program.  This is a para-professional position with responsibility for facilitating judicial decisions on pre-trial release and treatment/intervention/referral needs by providing the Courts with information obtained through interviews and review of records.  Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Probation Supervisor. Supervision may be exercised over lower level employees.  Does related work as required.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A.) Possession of a Bachelor's degree* and one (1) year of experience performing investigations, performing legal, investigative or other research which included interviewing to obtain factual information, or as an employee in the criminal justice field; or: 

B.) Completion of 60 semester credit hours at a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) or four (4) year college or university and three (3) years of experience performing investigations, performing legal, investigative or other research which included interviewing to obtain factual information, or as an employee of a criminal justice agency; or: 

C.) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience performing investigations, performing legal, investigative or other research which included interviewing to obtain factual information, or as an employee of a criminal justice agency; or: 

D.) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C).     

NOTE: Satisfactory completion of one (1) full year of law school may be substituted for the required one year of experience as described in (A). 

SPECIAL LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: 

Must be able to converse fluently in Spanish as spoken in the Buffalo Metropolitan area. 

NOTE:   Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer

SAMPLE WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Performs all work activities inclusive of those persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture and/or on those who speak Spanish as the primary language; Interviews pre-trial detainees, including those who speak Spanish only; 

• Ascertains community ties, social and family histories, previous criminal or delinquent records,  and submits written or oral reports to supervisor or directly to the courts; 

• Verifies information obtained from interviews; 

• Identifies primary treatment/intervention needs, such as substance abuse or mental health problems;

• Reviews case histories to determine degree of adjustment and advisability of referral or court action; 

• Makes court appearances as required; 

• Develops and maintains relationships with organizations providing services to Spanish Speaking detainees; 

• Prepares reports and recommendations to determine eligibility for pre-trial release;

• Interprets conditions of release to detainee; Assists pre-trial detainees and their families with matters related to their arrest and conditions of release; 

• Acts as liaison between Pre-Trial Services and other agencies in the criminal justice system; 

• May make presentations to governmental agencies, community groups or other organizations especially those of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of interviewing techniques; good knowledge of current principles, practices and techniques of social work and case management; working knowledge of Penal Law and Criminal Procedure Law; ability to communicate effectively; ability to prepare written and oral reports; ability to speak and understand Spanish as spoken in the Buffalo Metropolitan area; sound judgment in evaluating information gathered; tact; resourcefulness; cultural sensitivity; initiative; dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.                       

HOW TO APPLY:        Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to:

            Richard Robillard, Commissioner Erie County Probation Department

            1 Niagara Plaza - Room 112; Buffalo, NY 14202

This notice will be posted from February 27, 2025, through and including March 10, 2025. Applications received after 4:00 P.M., March 10, 2025, will not be considered.