MAGISTRATE SUPPORT OFFICER - Criminal Courts

About the Department

Prepares documentation for magistration.  Conducts criminal history screenings and generate risk assessments and financial assessments on arrested persons to assist the Magistrate in effectively setting a bond and determining eligibility for court-appointed counsel.  Follow up for any orders or conditions imposed by the Magistrate.

Position Duties

1. Prepares pre-release investigation documents as directed by the magistrate judges for release hearings.
2. Notifies the Attorney Appointment Office of non-compliance issues regarding indigence affidavits.
3. Enters interview information into the automated case management system.  Reviews the automated records for accuracy.
4. Maintains automated records for defendants requesting counsel that accurately reflect activities related to financial information and presentation to the Office of Attorney Appointments.
5. Researches, verifies, and enter defendants' criminal history into risk assessment tools.
6. Assists in creating court docket for daily arraignments.
7. Ensures release conditions are conveyed to and understood by defendant.
8. Coordinates and conducts defendant interviews at the County jail and other locations as required.
9. Investigates and verifies financial information for ability to pay bond and hire attorney.
10. Notifies defendants of upcoming court dates via phone, mail, e-mail, and/or text to ensure appearance at scheduled court dates.  Coordinates with CSCD and magistrates regarding conditions of bond.  Monitors personal bond dockets to record whether an attorney has been retained or if appointed counsel is required.  Records appearance at personal bond dockets and updates defendant contact information as necessary.  Provides a point of contact for defendants on bond.
11. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of experience in criminal justice or military field.  
• Additional years of education will substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis. Must become TLETS certified within six (6) months of hiring.  
• Ability to assume responsibility without direct supervision.  
• Ability to handle confidential information.  
• Knowledge of court systems and procedures.  
• Must be able to adapt and adjust to requirements of multiple court procedures and work within those procedures.  
• Must be able to use office machines, computers, printers, and telephones as well as have good typing and communication skills.  
• Knowledge of Microsoft products and the Integrated Justice Information Online system.  
• Working knowledge of the application sections of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures and Penal Code.  
• Accepts assignments to any shift or work area as determined by the department’s policies or needs.  
• Works overtime as required.

Other Qualifications

Benefits

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term  disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.

*Note: These benefits are for Tarrant County employees only. For benefit information regarding Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, please contact Patrice Smith at (817) 884-1227.

 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerTarrant CountyAddress 100 E. Weatherford Suite 301

Fort Worth, Texas, 76196-0105 Phone(817) 884-1188
Website http://www.tarrantcountytx.gov