Probation - Juvenile Center - Juvenile Probation Officer

Allen County Government • Fort Wayne, IN

13h • $29

About The Position

The Juvenile Probation Officer – Detention Alternative Program is a sworn Special Allen County Deputy Sheriff responsible for ensuring that juveniles supervised by the Detention Alternative Program/Electronic Monitoring Program comply with the conditions of supervision. The officer maintains accurate case records and advises the Court of violations in accordance with applicable Indiana law. The position is covered under the Superior Court Employee Handbook and is an employee-at-will position.

The officer investigates juvenile matters, completes risk assessments and reports, supports pretrial release decisions, communicates allegations and rights to juveniles and parents, and conducts court-ordered and predispositional investigations. The role also involves attending hearings, preparing court documents and recommendations, and coordinating with prosecutors, schools, social service agencies, law enforcement, and other professionals.

The officer supervises juveniles through home, school, and probation visits; appointments; drug and alcohol testing; crisis management; referrals; and coordination of services. Duties include responding to probation and home-detention violations on a 24/7 basis, transporting juveniles when necessary, managing electronic monitoring equipment, and maintaining related records and equipment. The position requires various hours totaling 40 hours per week, with overtime as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• Obtain Indiana State Certification as a Probation Officer within six months and continue to complete certification requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain a valid Indiana Gun Permit, complete firearms qualifications with a department-issued firearm, and requalify annually.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Deputy status through the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.
• Attend and successfully complete all required Department training.
• Ability to pass a psychological examination by a court-designated psychologist.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within one year.
• Ability to become certified in chemical agents usage and electronic monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to probation operations, and ability to apply and enforce regulations.
• Working knowledge of standard Allen County and probation policies and practices.
• Ability to effectively interview, investigate, counsel, and work with clients and their families.
• Knowledge of treatment programs and services available through government, social, and private agencies.
• Ability to use restraint techniques, handcuffs, chemical spray, and firearms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Attend an orientation program conducted by the Indiana Judicial Center within one year of first employment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and related court and database systems.
• Must be an American citizen.
• Must be a person of good moral character.

Responsibilities

• Receive and examine complaints and allegations, investigate reasons for detention, and assist with pretrial release decisions.
• Complete risk assessments, preliminary inquiries, and other investigations; prepare reports and recommendations for the Court.
• Advise juveniles and parents of allegations and rights, and confer with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding informal adjustment agreements.
• Conduct predispositional investigations, including interviews and contact with schools, employers, families, and social agencies.
• Attend hearings, testify at dispositional hearings, prepare petitions for no-contact orders and parent participation plans, and provide victim notifications.
• Conduct criminal history checks and complete required data entry and financial, placement, case, and permanency reports and plans.
• Supervise juveniles on probation, including through home visits, school visits, appointments, counseling and agency contacts, community service, and out-of-county placements.
• Collect urine samples for random drug testing and administer portable breath tests for alcohol consumption.
• Maintain accurate case records and document contacts with juveniles and families; advise the Court of violations and appropriate modifications to probation conditions.
• Respond to probation and home-detention violations on a 24/7 basis.
• Transport juveniles to homes, detention, or shelter care facilities as needed; install home-detention anklets and review program rules with juveniles and parents.
• Make referrals, coordinate services, cooperate with agencies and other individuals involved in juvenile welfare, and act as a liaison with law enforcement.
• Follow up with juveniles and families to ensure they understand court proceedings and probation requirements.
• Collect and disburse money from probationers and assist with probation transfers when appropriate.
• Monitor cases and requirements related to termination of parental rights, DOC commitments, and reassertion of jurisdiction when applicable.
• Maintain home-detention equipment and clean and maintain the County vehicle.
• Perform other assigned duties, including overtime as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time