JP Court Liaison

Harris County•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Harris County Resources for Children and Adults is a county department founded in 1966 to provide support services to children involved with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Its services have since expanded to include early prevention, intervention, and adult services, with a vision to better the lives of children and adults in Harris County. Under the supervision of the Project/Program Manager, the JP Court Liaison provides professional oversight and coordination of social-service referrals for at-risk youth and families appearing before Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts. The position advocates for youth and families and collaborates with school districts on prevention measures. It also serves as the Youth Diversion Coordinator for the Justice Courts, where diversion is a statutory requirement. The role requires ethical conduct, honesty, integrity, and discretion when working with youth and families. This is a regular, full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office location is 6300 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, Texas 77081, with work involving JP Court 4-1 at 6831 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77379. Salary depends on qualifications, and mileage reimbursement is provided. Employment is contingent on passing a background check and drug screen.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice, or a closely related field.
One year of full-time paid work experience working with youth and their families in a youth-service agency, institutional, counseling, or social-services setting.
Training and experience using a personal computer and software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and case management software.
Reliable transportation, a valid State of Texas driver’s license, and auto liability insurance.
Knowledge of protective services, child and family development, child management, family systems, community resources, and Justice of the Peace processes.
Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, the Texas Family Code, and statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations governing children.
Knowledge of case management and administration practices, case documentation, and records management.
Knowledge of Justice of the Peace system procedures and associated legal terminology.
Ability to maintain ethical standards, honesty, integrity, respect, confidentiality, and fairness.
Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
Ability to communicate detailed and sensitive information effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with adolescents, families, school and government officials, law enforcement, community partners, and the public.
Ability to work under remote supervision and contribute to team or work-unit goals and activities.
Self-discipline, dependability, and ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize multiple tasks and demands.
Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and applying Texas Family Code policies and procedures and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to children.
Skill in empathizing with and working successfully with people from varied socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, recognizing their distinctive histories and needs.

Responsibilities

Initiate and maintain communication among state and county stakeholders and related organizations.
Provide background information and recommendations to JP court personnel or an Assistant District Attorney to support case disposition and development of service plans.
Travel to schools, JP courts, and community events as required.
Document outreach services, client and legal history information, and complete monthly reports in the Data Management System.
Maintain and develop a resource list for assigned courts.
Maintain confidential information about families served.
Counsel, model, and advocate for the best interests of youth and their families regarding available resources.
Provide follow-up feedback to court personnel and internal and external programs.
Receive and screen school district referrals and provide prevention measures for individual service plans.
Serve as Youth Diversion Coordinator for the JP Courts by receiving and screening Youth Diversion Referrals and documenting program outcomes.