Community Justice Counselor

• Conducts assessments and investigations of misdemeanant clients from pre-trial through post-sentence stages. Gathers and evaluates facts obtained through interviews and research for inclusion in client reports.
• Performs social investigations and interviews of clients, relatives, employers, members of social agencies and others.
• Interviews references and crime victims to gather and verify information related to release conditions at any stage of the court process.
• Researches and gathers information related to clients, including but not limited to employment history, educational background, previous arrest records, and family and community ties.
• Identifies client needs in areas such as behavioral health services, housing, and employment. Assesses availability and relevance of community and state resources. Develops individual case plans for implementation.
• Testifies and recommends in administrative and judicial hearings regarding resource and treatment options for defendants, community safety concerns, and incarceration decisions.
• Provides information to clients on court processes and procedures, conditions attached to pre-trial release or probation, and available community services.
• Coordinates the introduction of defendants to appropriate community services.
• Offers warrant prevention and resolution services to defenders to reduce missed court dates. Assists defendants who have failed to appear in navigating warrant recall procedures or self-surrender steps to the court.
• Completes electronic monitoring intake duties for individuals as ordered by the court, including but not limited to explaining responsibilities to defendants, obtaining signatures for agreements, testing for drug and alcohol, collecting data, and installing related equipment.
• Monitors and maintains records of placement and attendance for those ordered by the court to participate in treatment, community service, and other specialized programs such as electronic home monitoring and day reporting as an alternative to incarceration.
• Analyzes location and alcohol monitoring data and reports to judicial officers regarding defendant compliance with the terms and conditions of release.
• Maintains case records, prepares reports, and conducts correspondence related to assignments.
• Meets with federal, state, and local law enforcement, judicial officers, service agencies, educators, and other community justice partners.
• Performs related work as required.

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or related field; and
• Experience: One year of experience as a probation caseworker, detention/correction officer, law enforcement officer, or a closely related position.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply. 

• Possession of a valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Completion of the Washington State Misdemeanant Probation Counselor Academy within twelve months of appointment.

• All applicants are subject to a thorough background investigation, including criminal history. A criminal history that affects a person's ability to be certified for access to federal, state, and local criminal justice databases constitutes a bar to employment as a Community Justice Counselor.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), 

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.  

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on May 27th, 2026 and June 10th, 2026. The testing windows are May 28th, - June 1st, 2026 and June 11th – 15th. 

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([email protected]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. 

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.