Specialized JPO - Juvenile Probation

Fort Bend County • Sugar Land, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Fort Bend County is seeking a Juvenile Probation Officer to assess the needs of juveniles and their families to determine appropriate residential placement. The role involves counseling, securing placement, providing crisis intervention, and traveling to facilities within and out of state. The officer will prepare documentation for court, testify in court, maintain case records, conduct drug testing, and act as a liaison with the District Attorney's office. This position requires attending staff meetings and training for certification, making post-placement referrals, maintaining contact with juveniles and families, monitoring progress, and updating the court on case status. Additionally, the role may involve training other staff and participating in emergency management activities. This is a full-time position with on-call duties and irregular work hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or other state approved related field.
• 2 years job related experience.
• Good computer, verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills, interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials.
• Ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner.
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Certified Juvenile Probation Officer.
• No felony conviction against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 10 years; a deferred adjudication for a felony against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 10 years or current felony probation or parole.
• No jailable misdemeanor conviction against the laws of this state, another state or the United States within the past 5 years; a deferred adjudication for a jailable misdemeanor against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 5 years or current misdemeanor probation or parole.
• Not registered as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Responsibilities

• Assesses needs of juvenile and family to determine appropriate residential placement facility.
• Secures residential placement for juvenile.
• Counsels with juveniles, family and other person and/or agencies as needed.
• Provide Crisis Intervention Counseling to families.
• Travels to placement facilities in and out of the state.
• Prepares documentation for cases scheduled for detention and court appearances and/or hearings.
• Testifies before court as to the recommendations required.
• Maintains written reports and daily chronological notes for each juvenile in placement or pending placement.
• Conducts random drug testing on juveniles as needed.
• Works as liaison with the District Attorney’s office and offers recommendations regarding court proceedings.
• Attends staff meetings and training conferences as required for maintenance of Juvenile Probation Officer Certification.
• Makes post-placement and aftercare referrals.
• Maintains monthly contact with juvenile, family and program staff.
• Maintains juvenile’s behavior and progress in placement.
• Addresses issues as needed through face-to-face visits.
• Updates the court on issues and/or changes regarding child’s progress and placement status.
• Conduct training of staff in department and other Juvenile Probation departments.
• Participates in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

Benefits

• All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS).
• Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.

What This Job Offers

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