Juvenile Probation and Aftercare Specialist I

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

About The Position

This is entry-level work providing community supervision and support to youth in compliance with court-imposed conditions of probation, aftercare, or pre-adjudication supervision. The role applies case management principles and practices, motivational interviewing, and a trauma-informed approach when working with youth and their families. Employees perform routine, standardized assignments under close supervision. The position involves assessing youth, developing and implementing case plans, monitoring compliance, coordinating referrals and services, preparing records and reports, and communicating with families, courts, social service agencies, schools, behavioral healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community resources. The role may include attending court hearings and providing testimony.

Requirements

One year of experience supervising and supporting at-risk youth receiving rehabilitation services in a detention, residential, probation, or community-based setting in compliance with treatment plans and/or court orders; OR a bachelor's degree or higher, or an anticipated graduation date within three months, with coursework in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or a related field.
Possess a valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified.

Responsibilities

Provide direct community supervision and support to youth, including face-to-face visits, using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing.
Interview clients to obtain and verify personal, social, and delinquent or criminal histories, and assess risk, needs, strengths, and appropriate contact frequency.
Determine appropriate methods to address client risks and needs based on individual circumstances, caretaker and support systems, and available community resources.
Develop and implement case plans that outline court-imposed requirements, individual goals, and methods and techniques for achieving them during supervision.
Monitor client activities and compliance with probation and aftercare conditions through field visits, office appointments, GPS monitoring, and telephone contact.
Investigate and report possible probation and aftercare violations for further investigation and action by a probation and parole officer or law enforcement.
Attend court hearings to answer questions, make recommendations, present progress reports, and provide testimony.
Prepare and update records and reports, including recommendations for case disposition.
Provide referrals to applicable resources and monitor compliance with required activities and services.
Communicate with clients and families, court officials, social service agencies, schools, behavioral healthcare providers, and community resource contacts to coordinate and exchange information.
Cooperate with law enforcement on intelligence inquiries to help maintain safety for youth and the community.
Use automated information systems and computer software to research, review, evaluate, and report case data.
Perform other related duties as required.