Juvenile Probation Officer - Intake

Harris County • Houston, TX

1d • $58,573 • Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is a large agency focused on youth justice transformation and reform, aiming to improve outcomes for youth, reduce racial disproportionality, and ensure a safe environment. The Intake and Court Services Division is the primary point of contact for referred young people and their families, providing information, support, and intervention services. Staff conduct interviews, assessments, coordinate services, and connect families with community resources. This division also produces detailed court reports to assist judges in making informed decisions.

The Intake Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) is a vital part of a 24-hour Intake Screening Unit. This role involves reviewing referrals for youth aged 10-17 alleged to have committed Class B misdemeanors or higher. The JPO ensures cases are handled according to statutory guidelines, balancing public safety with the needs of youth and families. Key responsibilities include managing admission and release decisions and detention hearing procedures for juveniles entering the Harris County Juvenile Justice Detention Center. The officer conducts interviews, gathers social history, and completes risk and needs assessments to recommend detention or release. This is an essential, in-person position supporting 24-hour operations.

Requirements

• Must complete the HCJPD Standard Basic Spelling & Grammar assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Bachelor’s degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• AND either: One year of graduate study at an accredited college or university (18 completed post-graduate hours) in Criminology, Corrections, Counseling, Law, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related field.
• OR At least 1500 hours of paid or non-paid experience working in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons. These hours must have been earned within 12 months, which do not have to be consecutive months.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have available transportation for use on the job with vehicle insured to comply with the liability limits required by statute.
• Working knowledge of Intake Services policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile Detention Hearing Court and detention alternative programs and services.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile District Court policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of interdepartmental unit policies and procedures, services and programs and community resources.
• Working knowledge of Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and all other computer systems and programs needed to perform the job.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer in accordance with TJJD requirements.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All applicants must provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test.
• All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

Responsibilities

• Screens, accepts, and releases juveniles placed in detention by law enforcement, probation officers, judges, or other authorized entities.
• Completes all aspects of case file management, including interviews (office and telephone), administering assessment tools, submitting court reports, initiating referrals to community-based resources, documentation, and data entry of services and activities.
• Provides supervision and case file management for assigned Intake level cases.
• Provides information on community-based organizations for walk-ins and telephone inquiries from the public.
• Transports juveniles to their homes, shelters, bus stations, or airports as required.

What This Job Offers

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