Juvenile Probation Officer

Group 308, Step 1

General Description

The purpose of this position is to monitor and supervise youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

These duties include but are not limited to, Conducting appropriate screenings, assessments, referrals, and follow-ups with juveniles on his/her caseload. Ensuring the completion of court and case documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Fulfills on-call rotation duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Fulfill all duties related to his/her assignment as directed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the United States Department of Justice. This includes, but is not limited to, all polices in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Texas Family Code, Bell County Employee Handbook, and Bell County Juvenile Services policies and procedures.
• Must have the ability to work with a diverse population.
• Keep the Area Manager advised of all critical situations that may arise.
• Performs case management for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
• Conducts initial intake interviews of youth and family to gather and assess information to determine nature of offense and determine probable cause.
• Required to make day to day decisions related to case management and recommendations to the Court based on the youth's risk and need level using validated screening instruments.
• Prepares individualized case plans, makes appropriate community resource referrals, maintains contact with outside agencies related to referrals.
• Visits youth at home, school, at work, in residential treatment facilities, or in detention as required by level of supervision or the immediate need.
• Maintains current, and accurate case records on all assigned youth.
• Works directly with the Court, the County Attorney's Office, Defense Attorneys, and service providers.
• Prepares reports and documents for the court and testifies when required.
• Provides transportation to treatment facilities or other care as required or directed by the Area Manager.
• Monitors and enforces compliance with court orders, deferred prosecution rules, condition of release, diversion program, and temporary pre-court monitoring and assigns sanctions for violations per department policy.
• Maintain contact with youth to ensure that restitution monies are paid and ensures that all personnel needing information on restitution are kept informed.
• Fulfills duties related to the JPO on-call roaster.
• Fulfills duties related to the JSO on-call roaster: providing direct care and supervision/security for juveniles in either a pre-adjudicated detention facility or a post-adjudication residential facility and working a schedule that will involve weekends, holidays, evening, or nights (shift work).
• Always maintain his/her appearance and appropriate professional behavior.
• Address behavioral issue/concerns of residents to ensure compliance, to include assisting staff during any situation that requires the use of Handle with Care and the department approved management program.
• May be moved to other positions within the department as necessary with or without notice.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Cour, the Area Manager, Assistant Director, or Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires Bachelor's degree in Social Services or related major;

one (1) year of experience in corrections, counseling, sociology or closely related experience is preferred.

1. be at least 21 years of age;
2. have no disqualifying criminal history;
3. have no criminal history as described in §344.410(a) unless TJJD has reviewed it and determined the person is not ineligible for certification due to the criminal history;
4. must have bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University system;
5. never have had any type of certification revoked by TJJD;
6. complete the training required by TAC§344; and
7. pass the certification exam to be completed after employment.

Physical Demands:

• Must possess the physical stamina to address potentially hostile or physically aggressive clients and/or assist staff during any situation that requires the use of Handle with Care (the Department/Program recognized physical restraint/behavior modification system) and the department approved behavior management program.
• Potential for driving long distances when providing transportation to youth in county vehicles.
• Individual works indoors. Indoor work is in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office or facility setting with lifting of light materials and equipment.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Potentially hostile or physically aggressive youth.
• Face to face contact with diverse populations
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Potential for extreme noise levels

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Requires Juvenile Probation Officer Certification to obtained after employment.
• Requires Juvenile Supervision Officer Certification to be obtained after employment.
• Requires TAC Cybersecurity Awareness Training to be completed after employment.
• Requires Handle with Care certification to obtained after employment.
• Requires CPR/First Aid Certification to be obtained after employment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Addendum to Juvenile Probation Officer I

This position is assigned to the IMPACT Academy/Post Adjudication Residential Treatment Program.

This position develops and delivers cognitive education based programming to residents.

Organizes and facilitates enrichment activities for residents.

Addresses resident behavioral issues/concerns to ensure compliance and understanding while fostering a proactive and positive environment.

Assists youth in obtaining access to educational, vocational, employment, and medical related support services.