Juvenile Probation Officer I/II- Outreach and Tracking

Travis County • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach and Tracking (ORT) Juvenile Probation Officers (JPO) provide daily tracking of juveniles to ensure that they comply with their curfew (including home detention) and attend school. The ORT JPOs work a 4/10 schedule (Sunday- Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday). Outreach and Tracking is used as an alternative to detention. This program is primarily used to provide supervision of juveniles who are released from detention pending court. It is also assigned to allow juveniles under supervision a chance to correct their non-compliance on Conditions of Release or Conditions of Probation. Provides supervision and counseling to juvenile clients positioned at various stages within the juvenile justice system. Supervises and monitors all aspects of client’s case related to conditions of probation, including visits with client’s family and other significant contacts, and direct supervision of youth in secure facilities. Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with clients to assist in sentencing, explains conditions of probation, and assists clients in meeting terms of probation. Documents client behavior for use within the juvenile justice system. This is the third in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification provides supervision to clients who are within various phases of the juvenile justice system. Duties performed are of more complex nature and type. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND one (1) year of experience in case management, a social service, community, corrections or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons (for JPO I).
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) year of experience in case management, a social service, community corrections or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons (for JPO II).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques).
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of: Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
• Skill in: Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to: Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations on the background of each case, which includes interviewing clients, their families and other significant contacts.
• Reviews documentation, such as police reports, court transcripts and criminal records and makes assessments regarding the nature of the individual’s environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case.
• Makes recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and prepares probation plans.
• Supervises and monitors juveniles on probation through regular home, school and office visits and other needed contacts.
• Determines the needs of the client and family and develops supervision plans for clients.
• Assures client’s understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the court’s order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation.
• Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action.
• Coordinates case management with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.
• Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals.
• Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol, drug, mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs.
• Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sentencing, treatment, custody release, suspension of sentence, release into treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
• Develops client placement plans, including completing placement applications, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports and maintaining contact with clients in placement.
• Appears and testifies in court, conducts urinalysis, requests and executes warrants, obtains consents and other required paperwork.
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies.
• Provides direct supervision of all clients’ daily activities when working in secure facilities, including maintaining accountability of all clients and equipment and ensuring that the environment is safe, clean and secure; ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
• Implements corrective discipline plans and programs, as required; facilitates cognitive skill groups and relaxation training for clients; provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required; documents clients’ behavior and enters into department computer information system; monitors security and fire alarm systems, including closed circuit monitors; maintains communication with facility posts; maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care; physically restrains aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required; may assist in investigating incidents involving clients.
• Transports clients to other facilities, as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level