Pretrial Services Officer - Mercer Vicinage

About the Role Join New Jersey Judiciary's Mercer Vicinage as a Pretrial Services Officer in the Pretrial Services Program. The role supports pretrial defendants, court operations, and public safety by conducting risk assessments, preparing reports, and coordinating with judges, prosecutors, and defense teams. This position emphasizes independence, integrity, and service within a dynamic criminal justice environment. What You'll Do

• Regularly interact with pretrial defendants, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, county jail staff, local law enforcement, and others to coordinate pretrial services.
• Research criminal case histories, conduct pretrial risk assessments, prepare reports, and make recommendations to judges regarding conditions of pretrial release.
• Staff first appearance/Central Judicial Processing hearings and pretrial detention hearings.
• Monitor conditions of pretrial release, particularly for higher-risk defendants, and report non-compliance to the court.
• Assist defendants in achieving goals to ensure appearance in court and public safety; provide guidance on social, emotional, and rehabilitative needs; refer to social services and counseling as needed.
• Support training and mentoring of Pretrial Services staff and contribute to stakeholder and community outreach.
• Possibly work a non-traditional schedule including weekends, holidays, and on-call hours; may include remote work up to two days per week.
• Note: This position primarily handles monitoring duties; perform other related duties as required. What We're Looking For
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in case management involving gathering and analyzing case-related information, with judgment and discretion.
• Experience in reviewing cases to identify needs, coordinating with judges/attorneys, and preparing reports of findings and recommendations.
• Ability to substitute education with relevant paraprofessional or professional experience as per policy: associate degree plus two years experience; master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Education note: foreign degrees must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service (NACES).
• Physical ability: ability to perform climbing, prolonged standing, bending, reaching; ability to lift 30-50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one; willingness to travel as needed. Nice to Have
• Experience with pretrial services programs is helpful. Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: $61,749.69 to $100,154.67 (Schedule A) and $61,749.69 to $95,146.95 (Schedule B).
• Starting salary normally at the minimum of the range; salary advancements follow policy.
• Hybrid work schedule with up to 2 remote days; regular and predictable presence at the worksite required.