Juvenile Probation Officer Lead

Travis County • Austin, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Juvenile Probation Officer Lead is assigned to the Deferred Prosecution Unit (DPU), which supervises eligible juvenile offenders diverted from formal court proceedings, typically for six months. The DPU contract sets behavioral requirements similar to formal probation; successful completion closes the case without formal court proceedings. The Lead carries a smaller caseload and assists the Casework Manager with administrative and unit-supervision duties.

This is the fifth and highest classification in a series of juvenile probation-related positions in the Court Services job family. It typically serves as a working lead over other juvenile probation staff while performing complex juvenile probation duties. Work may be in secure facilities and may require a flexible schedule to meet departmental needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a directly related field.
• Three years of experience in case management, social services, community corrections, or a juvenile agency dealing with offenders or disadvantaged persons.
• Six months of increasingly responsible experience in project leadership or case management in social services, community corrections, or a juvenile agency.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Certified as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer, or eligible for Texas Juvenile Justice Department certification within six months of hire, including successful completion of CPR certification, First Aid, and Handle with Care (state-approved physical restraint techniques).
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices; court-system policies, procedures, and legal terminology; applicable laws and juvenile justice standards; counseling and psychological concepts; safety, security, and physical restraint techniques; computer equipment and common software; and HIPAA and other confidentiality requirements.
• Skills in training and supervising staff, monitoring and responding to client behavior, problem-solving, decision-making, interviewing, and verbal and written communication.
• Ability to investigate cases and report findings clearly, accurately, and impartially; work independently and as part of a team; make sound judgments; work courteously under stress; work effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness or emotional distress, including those who may be hostile or aggressive; manage multiple tasks and time; and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting or carrying up to 50–100 pounds and performing the listed movements and activities.
• Ability to complete required background checks, physical exam, drug test, alcohol test, and psychological exam.

Nice To Haves

• Project, lead, or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Train, assign, schedule, and review the work of employees.
• Guide staff in assessment, planning, and case supervision through consultation and case reviews.
• Assist the Casework Manager in auditing cases and supervising the unit.
• Review periodic caseload audit results to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, court rules, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as acting supervisor when the Casework Manager is absent, as needed.
• Maintain client files and records in accordance with laws and policies.
• Investigate case backgrounds by interviewing clients, families, and other significant contacts; review relevant documentation and assess circumstances related to each case.
• Recommend sentencing and disposition and prepare probation plans.
• Supervise and counsel high-risk adjudicated juveniles and other juveniles requiring supervision.
• Monitor juveniles through regular home, school, and office visits and other necessary contacts.
• Assess client and family needs and develop supervision plans; may supervise specialized caseloads.
• Ensure clients understand court-order obligations and monitor compliance with probation conditions.
• Address violations of court orders through appropriate action.
• Coordinate case management with criminal justice and social service agencies and, as needed, serve as a liaison on higher-level departmental issues.
• Provide individual and crisis intervention counseling as needed.
• Refer clients to services such as counseling, treatment, and employment assistance.
• Verify participation in and completion of alcohol and drug testing, mental health counseling, and other court-ordered programs.
• Develop client placement plans, complete placement applications, arrange clothing and medical or psychological reports, and maintain contact with clients in placement.
• Appear and testify in court; conduct urinalysis; request and execute warrants; serve summonses; and obtain consents and required paperwork.
• Prepare written assessments and recommendations to the court regarding sentencing, treatment, custody, release, probation supervision, and client compliance and progress.
• Prepare statistical reports and summaries of work performed.
• Participate in business continuity efforts outside normal job functions when assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible new employees may telework after a minimum of six months in the position.
• Certified Juvenile Probation Officers may telework two days per week.

What This Job Offers

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