Career Opportunity

8452-Criminal Justice Specialist II

Recruitment: RTF0167254-01159234

Published: August 21, 2026

Accepting applications until: September 18, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

The San Francisco Adult Probation Department (SFAPD) values the individuality and diversity of justice involved adults, recognize the unique challenges they face, and invest in their success through services designed to help them permanently exit the criminal justice system. Our reentry and rehabilitative services complement our supervision strategies by providing a unique blend of opportunity and accountability. We extend a continuum of integrated services to address our clients’ criminogenic needs and empower them to become productive members of the community. SFAPD dedicates endless energy toward enhancing public safety, seeking victim restoration and accountability, providing structured and evidence-based supervision, all on the behalf of the Superior Court of San Francisco.

Role description

Under direction, carries out a variety of complex research activities, analytical studies of socioeconomic factors, and administration of programs related to the criminal justice system or other criminal or juvenile justice entities or programs, including pretrial services, reentry initiatives, and violence prevention and reduction efforts. Coordinates and may supervise the work of subordinates engaged in such activities; provides consultation to outside groups and agencies on matters affecting criminal or juvenile justice programs; performs related duties as required.

Positions in the class of Criminal Justice Specialist II carry responsibility for the performance of complex and important research and programmatic activities. Incumbents work with considerable independence and may act in a responsible capacity as consultants to outside groups or agencies regarding criminal justice activities, including court-based, community-based, and system-level efforts that support public safety, successful reentry, and reduced justice system involvement.

This position may focus on one or more areas of specialization, including pretrial justice, reentry and rehabilitation, or violence reduction, while contributing to broader system-wide outcomes.

Various Shifts:  

• 7am-4pm
• 3pm-11pm
• On-Call 11pm-7am

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise subordinate paraprofessional or clerical staff.

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Court Liaison Criminal Justice Specialist II is responsible for providing real‑time communication, coordination, and case support between Pretrial Services, the courts, local jails, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners. Employees in this assignment serve as the primary in‑court representative for Pretrial Services, ensuring that judicial officers receive accurate, timely information necessary for informed pretrial release decisions.

The Court Liaison Criminal Justice Specialist II attends arraignments and other court proceedings, appears before judicial officers to provide case‑specific updates, progress information, and clarifications related to pretrial release reports, and responds to time‑sensitive inquiries in fast‑paced courtroom environments. This assignment requires frequent entry into detention facilities to gather data, verify custody status, interview individuals in custody, and resolve criminal history discrepancies in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies.

The Court Liaison Criminal Justice Specialist II engage in ongoing communication and collaborative problem‑solving with justice partners, participate in planning and coordination meetings, and support smooth case processing across agencies. The Court Liaison Criminal Justice Specialist II performs work with moderate independence, exercises sound judgment when addressing complex or sensitive issues, and represents Pretrial Services professionally in both court and field settings.

• Court Appearance Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II is responsible for supervising client participation in court appearances and ensuring compliance with pretrial expectations during court‑related activities. Employees in this assignment provide real‑time monitoring of client behavior and engagement, interact directly with clients before and after hearings, and offer resources and guidance to support successful court participation.

The Court Appearance Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II observes client activity in court environments, identifies behavioral or compliance concerns, and communicates updates to pretrial officers and judicial partners as appropriate. The role includes evaluating client needs, reinforcing court instructions, and providing information about services, referrals, or next steps. Employees in this classification serve as a key point of contact for clients navigating the court process, ensuring they understand procedural requirements and have access to available support.

The Court Appearance Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II exercise independent judgment, collaborate with court personnel, attorneys, and justice partners, and contribute to coordinated case planning. They represent Pretrial Services within the courtroom and maintain professionalism in fast‑paced and high‑pressure settings. This assignment supports courtroom efficiency, client accountability, and positive pretrial outcomes through active monitoring, communication, and client engagement.

• Case Management Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II is responsible for overseeing case management activities for individuals on pretrial release, supervising case managers, and ensuring coordinated delivery of services and referrals. Employees in this assignment provide leadership and guidance to case management staff, monitor the quality and consistency of client service plans, and ensure compliance with pretrial supervision requirements.

The Case Management Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II collaborates closely with the Reentry Division, community treatment providers, and criminal justice partners to support effective service linkage, continuity of care, and successful client outcomes. This role includes coordinating assessments, referrals, and support services for clients; resolving barriers to service engagement; and ensuring that case managers follow established protocols, documentation standards, and evidence‑based practices.

Employees in this assignment exercise moderate independence and sound judgment in managing complex or high‑needs caseloads, reviewing case progress, and communicating updates to supervisors, pretrial officers, and partner agencies. The Case Management Monitoring Criminal Justice Specialist II plays an essential role in maintaining client accountability, promoting stability during the pretrial period, and supporting systemwide collaboration with reentry programs and community‑based service networks.

• Citywide Violence Response Criminal Justice Specialist II is responsible for designing, coordinating, and evaluating strategies that promote community safety and reduce incidents of violence. Employees in this classification serve as subject‑matter leads in violence prevention and intervention, applying evidence‑informed approaches to interrupt cycles of harm and support rehabilitation of high‑risk individuals.

The Citywide Violence Response Criminal Justice Specialist II bridge the gap between law enforcement, government agencies, community‑based organizations, and service networks, facilitating strong partnerships and effective information‑sharing. They develop and implement violence‑reduction initiatives, coordinate targeted outreach efforts, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex social, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to violence.

The Citywide Violence Response Criminal Justice Specialist II conducts strategic assessments, develops intervention plans, and evaluates program outcomes to support continuous improvement. Employees in this assignment provide guidance to partners, deliver expertise in high‑risk case management, and ensure services and supports are aligned with community needs and public‑safety goals. Work at this level requires advanced analytical ability, strong relationship‑building, and the capacity to work independently in dynamic and sensitive community and justice‑system environments.

• Reentry Criminal Justice Specialist II is responsible for coordinating and delivering reentry services to individuals transitioning from custody to the community, with a focus on stabilizing clients and supporting successful pretrial or post‑release outcomes. Employees in this classification assess client needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect individuals with housing, behavioral health, employment, education, and supportive services to reduce recidivism and promote long‑term stability.

The Reentry Criminal Justice Specialist II collaborate with correctional facilities, the courts, community‑based organizations, and government partners to facilitate seamless transitions and ensure continuity of care. They work both inside jails and in community settings, meeting with clients prior to release, arranging referrals, resolving service barriers, and monitoring progress. The Reentry Criminal Justice Specialist II also supports data collection, program evaluation, and system‑level efforts to improve reentry outcomes.

Employees in this assignment perform duties with moderate independence, manage complex cases involving high‑needs individuals, and may provide guidance or mentorship to lower‑level reentry staff. Work requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of reentry practices, and the ability to navigate both correctional environments and community‑based service networks. The Reentry Criminal Justice Specialist II plays a key role in enhancing public safety by promoting rehabilitation, stability, and positive reintegration into the community.

How to qualify

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of modern research methods, criminal justice systems, pretrial justice practices, reentry frameworks, violence reduction strategies, and community resources.

Ability to establish effective working relationships, communicate in court and public settings, and prepare clear reports and memoranda. Knowledge of: modern research methods used in sociologic, demographic and criminalistic studies and of the San Francisco metropolitan area, its population and social problems specific to the area and the aims and purposes of the Criminal Council and criminal or juvenile justice systems; community resources and the needs and services available to multi-ethnic groups and disadvantaged juveniles and adults; principles, techniques and trends in alternative sentencing programs; community based organizations and the range of services provided.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community-based organizations, public and private agencies; communicate in court, at public hearings and with individuals of divergent ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds; prepare reports, memoranda, and spreadsheets.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a social or behavioral science, preferably sociology or criminology.

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in a position which involved the conduct of analytical research and studies in the field of social or behavioral science in a public defender’s office, community-based organization or a non-profit agency. This experience must include major responsibility for functions such as program administration, case management, data collection and analysis, and report writing.

License and Certification:

Substitution:

Additional qualifying, verifiable work experience in a position as listed above may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year (2000 hours) of additional qualifying experience will be considered equivalent to 30 semester/45 quarter units.

Desirable

Systems-focused criminal justice expertise, with the ability to analyze and support initiatives across pretrial decision-making, violence reduction strategies, and reentry outcomes to improve public safety and reduce unnecessary system involvement.

Data-informed and equity-driven approach, using research, assessment, and program evaluation to inform pretrial practices, strengthen violence prevention efforts, and support successful reentry and long-term stability.

Collaborative practice across sectors, working effectively with courts, community-based organizations, and justice partners to advance coordinated solutions in pretrial services, reentry support, and violence reduction.

What else should I know?

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.