Juvenile Probation Division Manager (Detention)

Travis County•Austin, TX

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department seeks a Detention Services Division Manager to lead the daily operations of its 24-hour detention services division. Under administrative direction, this manager plans, organizes, manages, and supervises a division’s staff and operations within the juvenile justice system. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to the health, safety, and welfare of juveniles, and may require work in secure facilities and a flexible schedule. The manager assists the Division Director with operational planning and evaluation, staff management and development, policy implementation, program improvement, budget administration, and strategic planning. The position provides technical guidance to staff, represents the department to committees, outside agencies, the media, and the public, and may oversee the facility in the Division Director’s absence. It also includes regular on-call responsibilities. When assigned to secure facilities, the manager may directly supervise clients’ daily activities, maintain accountability for clients and equipment, support a safe and secure environment, facilitate groups and counseling, document behavior, monitor security systems, communicate with facility staff, and use approved physical restraint protocols when required. The role also provides day-to-day leadership to division employees, addressing operational and personnel matters and ensuring staff have appropriate guidance and support. The position is based at 2515 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas. Work hours may include any of three shifts—6:00 AM–2:00 PM, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, or 10:00 PM–6:00 AM—as needed. Some holiday, night, and weekend work is required. Employees may also be assigned to business continuity efforts outside their normal duties. Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a directly related field, plus five years of increasingly responsible experience in social service, community corrections, or a juvenile agency, including two years of mid- to senior-level supervisory or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer, or eligibility for certification by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six months of employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification, First Aid, and Handle with Care (state-approved physical restraint technique).
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of management and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques; assigned-function policies and procedures; applicable federal, state, and local laws and program requirements; budgetary practices; computer equipment and office software; and business writing and report preparation.
Skill in supervising others, allocating resources, evaluating programs, strategic planning, leadership and collaboration, problem-solving, decision-making, budget monitoring, and verbal and written communication, including presentations.
Ability to direct, motivate, train, develop, and evaluate staff; develop policies, procedures, and operational plans; recommend program initiatives; gather and evaluate facts for program planning and case disposition; serve as a technical consultant and liaison; prepare reports and written materials; manage time and multiple tasks; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals experiencing acute episodes, including individuals who may be hostile or aggressive.
Must be able to work all three listed shifts as needed and work some holidays, nights, and weekends.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting or carrying up to 50–100 pounds occasionally and performing the listed physical activities.
May be required to develop knowledge of and comply with federal and state laws governing confidential health information.

Nice To Haves

One year of full-time casework management experience.
Correctional administration experience.

Responsibilities

Assist the Division Director in planning, managing, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating division staff and operations.
Ensure conformity with State and Federal laws, guidelines, and policies and procedures concerning juvenile health, safety, and welfare.
Oversee management staff and other employees, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, discipline, and dismissal.
Identify opportunities for staff performance improvement, learning, and development; address problems and conflicts.
Plan, organize, develop, schedule, and implement unit policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
Prepare, receive, and review fiscal, administrative, and statistical reports and interpret their findings.
Evaluate programs, procedures, and practices on an ongoing basis; develop improvements and monitor workload and service quality.
Assist with developing and implementing comprehensive division strategic plans.
Provide technical advice, policy interpretation, and procedural guidance to supervisors and staff.
Assist with preparing and administering the division budget, monitor and approve expenditures, and establish budget-related internal controls.
Represent the department and serve as liaison to committees, task forces, advisory groups, outside agencies, and the public; serve as spokesperson to media and outside agencies.
Perform administrative division tasks and other job-related duties as assigned.
When working in secure facilities, supervise clients’ daily activities, maintain accountability of clients and equipment, and ensure the environment is safe, clean, and secure.
Ensure clients understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior; implement corrective discipline plans and programs as required.
Facilitate cognitive skills groups and relaxation training, provide individual and crisis intervention counseling as required, and document client behavior in the department information system.
Monitor security and fire alarm systems, including closed-circuit monitors, and maintain communication with facility posts and staff to support continuity of care.
Physically restrain aggressive clients using approved protocols as required and assist with investigating client incidents as needed.
Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to division employees, respond to employee concerns and operational issues, and support accountability for performance and adherence to policies.
Be on call regularly to address needs and concerns with the center.