Court Liaison

Position Title:

Court Liaison

Location:

San Francisco

Department:

Judicial Services

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Reports To:

Director of Judicial Services

Revision Date:

March 2022

ABOUT US

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals.

We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.

The primary responsibilities of the Court Liaison is to facilitate and share defendant information between the SF Superior Court and SFPDP. The Court Liaison is responsible for accurate and timely collection of release outcomes, Court referrals, and dispositions; preparation and modification of progress reports; accurately and completely collecting and communicating Court requests, orders, and instructions; and collaborating with the Court, court personnel, Sheriff's Department, District Attorney and Public Defender's offices, and community-based organizations to ensure best outcomes for our clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect Court dispositions and outcomes for clients;
• Understand and accurately complete the PSA (Public Safety Assessment) tool;
• Conduct thorough and concise pre-release, one- on-one intake interviews/safety assessments;
• Create re-entry plans, including post-release supervision requirements for all in-custody clients determined to be appropriate for the general ACM caseload;
• Work to connect clients with substance use and /or mental health service options through community linkages, intakes and transports;
• Coordinate treatment placement for the transport only in custody referrals.
• As requested, provide in-person recommendations to court;
• Advise the Court and its representatives of options for sentencing alternatives in pretrial, post-conviction, and other matters relating to cases before the court;
• Accurate and timely documentation of client court dispositions and outcomes;
• Serve as a resource to SFPDP colleagues by assisting to clarify or investigate specific court instructions or issues on case matters;
• Review and monitor active court cases to ensure program completion and compliance with release and/or program conditions;
• Conduct program verification follow-ups;
• Establish and cultivate mutually respectful relationships with clients, SFPDP staff members, and community partners;
• Communicate with the SF Superior Court and court personnel regarding client progress, compliance, and program completion while on supervision;
• Collaborate with colleagues, court personnel, District Attorney, and Public Defender on client's behalf;
• Accurately document client progress in the database through case management reporting.
• Preparation and modification of progress reports;
• Facilitate the release process for defendants released on Own Recognizance;
• Coordinate release dates with Sheriff's Department Community Programs and various community treatment facilities;
• Ensure timely release for clients granted Own Recognizance release, troubleshoot holds as necessary by contacting Sheriff's Department and/or attorney;
• Explain the criminal justice process to defendants and/or family members and answers questions regarding their status of their case in the criminal justice system;
• Work to ensure all client related data is accurately captured in the information management system at all times;
• Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in regards to ethics, values, and principles of case management;
• Adhere to all laws and regulations regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, contractual agreements, ethics, and professional boundaries;
• Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance as well as punctuality at all meetings, trainings, and other job-related appointments; and
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Requirement: Based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies; and due to the work we do in the jails, SFPDP recommends that employees get vaccinated in order to prevent them contracting the virus. This is also recommended to prevent the spread of the virus to others in our workplace. Currently, SFPDP does not require employees to be vaccinated. Employees who have not been vaccinated are also recommended to wear a mask while in the workplace to prevent contracting/spreading the virus; however, this is not required. This policy may change based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree or 5 years work experience in the criminal justice system, social services, or case management with increasing responsibility.

Language Skills: Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.

Technical Skills: Strong computer skills required. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to think independently, to exercise independent discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.

Other Skills & Abilities: Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to get along with and work cooperatively with others.

Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff's Department and San Francisco Superior Courts. Reference checks.

Equipment/Machinery: Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
• Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
• Lifting/carrying up to 5 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.