Job Abstract

The purpose of this position is to assist in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The individual in this position will be required to work the duties of a Juvenile Probation Officer-Intake and Juvenile Supervision Officer as the department sees necessary. The person who holds this position will report Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM.

JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER- INTAKE/JUVENILE SUPERVISION OFFICER:

1. Makes intake and release dispositions on juveniles taken into custody by law enforcement officers; on a daily basis.
2. Inputs new ID information, new offenses, and new referrals into JCMS of all juveniles formally referred to the department on a daily basis.
3. Prepares and processes paper documentation of juvenile’s status, including investigation and development of complete background data; on a daily basis.
4. Preparation of various written reports including but not limited to violation reports, social history, case plans, and various assessment instruments as instructed, conduct interviews, and provide court testimony.
5. Enforces the orders of the Court and deal appropriately with violations of the court order per departmental policy.
6. Counsels juveniles and parents or guardians with the objectives of resolving problems and improving motivations, attitudes, and behavior.
7. Suggests and recommend measures that can be taken by juveniles and/ or changes, daily.
8. Performs inspection of all units in the Detention program to ensure they are free of graffiti.
9. Performs drug screens on juvenile offenders.
10. Performs PACT assessments and re-assessments as required by department standards.
11. Makes routine inspections of facility and equipment and informs maintenance of necessary repairs.
12. Discuss the juvenile’s status with the Assistant District Attorney, on a daily basis.
13. Makes court appearances pertaining to juveniles in Detention, on a daily basis.
14. Escorts or transport juveniles to state institutions, medical appointments, placements, etc, as needed.
15. Files Detention Orders with the District Clerk’s Office on juveniles who are in Detention and are scheduled to appear in court, on a daily basis.
16. Files Detention Orders of all juveniles who are in detention that have been detained in the juvenile’s folder in the Intake Office.
17. Covers open shifts as required, due to sick call-ins, family emergencies, vacation, etc. Assure proper documentation for shift coverage is submitted to the Financial Manager.
18. Assists in making arrangements for juveniles to be transported through Interstate Compact.
19. Inventories juveniles personal property and make sure property is accounted for, assist in maintaining organization of the supply/issue room.
20. Report any mechanical problems or damage to the county vehicles to the Detention Superintendent for repairs, on a weekly basis.
21. As required, address public gatherings, service clubs, fraternal organizations, etc. on the juvenile probation program, on a monthly basis.
22. Assists the program by giving appropriate staff members breaks.
23. Assists in monitoring the TLC Residential Program to ensure program standards are being met as it relates to the coexistence with the detention program; and assists the program by giving staff breaks.
24. Attendance of all staff meetings required.
25. Must be able to lead and monitor juveniles in therapeutic, physical, athletic, cleaning, and recreational activities with staff.
26. Performs miscellaneous related duties, as required, and have ability to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
27. Care, Custody, and control of juveniles assigned to Juvenile Justice Department programs including guidance, crisis intervention, and re-direction of juveniles in connection with their conduct, attitudes, and relationships.
28. Prepare detailed reports (incident, observation, etc.) as required and submit them to supervisors on a daily basis.
29. Guides delinquent participants to effectively channel behavior in a more positive manner using the approved therapeutic approach, education, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for authority, oneself, and the community on a daily basis.
30. Conducts physical fitness and or teaches juveniles close-order drills, on a daily basis.
31. Provides disciplinary support to school personnel in the event disruptive behavior is exhibited by a juvenile, on a daily basis.
32. Ensures compliance with program rules, expectations, policies, and procedures etc. on a daily basis.
33. Admits, processes, and conducts orientation with newly admitted juveniles to their assigned program, advising juveniles as to the rules and the observance of discipline requirements on a daily basis.

To be eligible for appointment as a Probation Officer, a person must
(1) be of good moral character.
(2) have a bachelor's degree conferred by an accrediting organization recognized by the coordinating board, Texas College and University System.
(3) must have either one year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, law, social work, psychology, sociology, or other field of instruction approved by the Commission or one year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community or group work in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons and that is determined by the Commission to provide the kind of experience needed to meet this requirement, and must have satisfactorily completed the court of pre-service training or instruction, have passed the tests or examinations, and possess the level of certification as the Commission may prescribe.

Eighty (80) hours on in-hire training that is approved by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to become certified as a Juvenile Probation Officer. Must receive Eighty hours (80) every two years to maintain certification (hold certification throughout employment). Must also acquire and maintain current certification in CPR, First Aid, and Handle with Care.

This position has access to juvenile criminal records, social histories, school records, psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, etc.

Upon job offer, the applicant must be able to pass a background check, drug test, and psychological exam. Background checks are subject to annual review.