Juvenile Probation Officer

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General Description

The purpose of this class is to assist in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Employee functions on an experienced level with only minimal supervision, with spot checks of completed assignments. Work is reviewed for adequacy and professionalism, ability to make sound recommendations, thorough investigations, supervisory ability, and success in counseling juveniles.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervise and counsel juveniles who are placed on probation or deferred prosecution at Progressive Levels I-V, as well as perform all duties associated with case management.
• Attendance at all staff meetings is required.
• Conducts regular home, school, employment, and office visits.
• Documents all contacts regarding the child and family.
• Discusses the juvenile’s status with the Assistant District Attorney, as needed.
• Prepares written reports, including but not limited to violation reports, social history, and case plans, and various assessment instruments as instructed, conducts interviews, and provides court testimony.
• Enforces the Court's orders and appropriately addresses violations, per departmental policy.
• Performs drug screens on juvenile offenders.
• Makes referrals to appropriate agencies and treatment providers.
• Performs PACT assessments and re-assessments as required by department standards.
• Completes case plan and reviews as required by department standards.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Must (1) have a bachelor's degree conferred by an accrediting organization recognized by the coordinating board, Texas college and University System; (2) 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 (3) 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 (4) prefer experience working with juveniles in mental health or substance abuse settings and/or juvenile sex offenders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should have a sense of responsibility, initiative, and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, communicate clearly in English (written and verbal), work independently, and organize and manage multiple priorities
• Have respect for clients and colleagues and a desire to help people.
• Typing skills (minimum 35 wpm) and basic computer knowledge.
• Must have transportation and a valid Texas Operator's License.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The following Physical Demands would be required in the everyday duties of this job: Standing (25%), Walking (25%), and Sitting (50%).  Acute hearing is needed to respond to the youth and the public.  Ability to have sight in order to maintain the security of the facility and the juveniles.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level:  1

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer certification within six months of employment. Must receive eighty (80) hours of training every two years to maintain certification (hold certification throughout employment).

Department: Juvenile Justice

Salary: $56,241

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.