Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

MISSION - Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

JOB OVERVIEW

• The PSI Writer, at the order of the district court judges, conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes risk and needs assessments.
• Through the use of motivational interviewing, conduct risk and needs assessments and utilizing various instruments with offenders, makes recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders.
• Interviews the offender, victims, witness and other individuals who would have relevant information pertaining to the offender or the crime and reduce this information to writing what is contained within the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report.
• Develops reports and determines the appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations by using specialized investigative and communicative skills; through cooperation with other criminal justice agencies; a thorough knowledge of the laws, sentencing rules and regulations pertaining to probation, parole, incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment programs. Investigates the personal and criminal history of the offender through document searches and interviews with others.
• Gathers information and composes Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI) & Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review.
• Distributes approved reports and ensures all documents are accurate and in correct format, signed, ensuring the Division’s policies are understood, followed, in compliance with court ordered conditions and identifies the public safety risks for the other state.
• Attends court on “Law & Motion” day, in absence of the probation & parole officer, to obtain court dates and information for pre-sentence investigation and reports of violation.
• Testifies through the direct and cross examination with prosecutors and defense counsel, in the court of law to the accuracy and authenticity of the information contained within the report.
• Tracks the offenders reporting schedules, meeting supervision standards, ensuring pre-sentence investigation reports and deadlines are met, and documenting offender chronos in OMIS.
• Assists in determining if an offender is eligible for Interstate Compact Supervision based on community safety, the compact criteria, treatment plan, residence, and receiving states individual regulations.
• Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs and supervision fees for monthly report and outstanding balances by calling and requesting logs from the county attorneys and the clerks of court; tracking financial obligations and corresponding with offenders to alert them to their financial situation; gathers information relevant to changes in court schedules.
• Enters offender information into OMIS /OMP and obtains OMIS DOC numbers for offenders.
• Collects and compiles statistical data; creates reports and provides information to the appropriate personnel and agencies.
• Assists PPO with obtaining and filing documentation necessary to complete the PSI and ROV reports. Gathers police record checks by calling law enforcement agencies or authorized persons within the department and requesting “rap” sheets or Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) criminal records on offenders.
• Receives information on DOC commits from officers and assists officer in ensuring that all required documentation is assembled and forwarded to the records department at the Montana State Prison.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS – Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Cover Letter,
• Resume,
• State of Montana Application
• Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.
• If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
• Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

  BENEFITS

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

The hourly rate of this position will increase by $1.00 per hour or 2.5%, whichever is greater, effective July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026, in accordance with HB13. Pay increases for union positions are contingent upon a ratified collective bargaining agreement.

NOTICES

Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.

The Montana Department of Corrections is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO (Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority, Female, Disabled, Veteran, Sexual Orientation).

QUALIFICATIONS

• The above knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this position are typically acquired through an associate degree in criminology, human behavior and social work or related fields AND two years law enforcement or public safety experience.
• Some higher education in criminology, human behavior and social work and related fields and two years’ experience in law enforcement or public safety preferred; OR a combination of higher education and experience.
• The successful candidate must be able to type 40 wpm.