JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER - 80019421

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides social services to assist in the rehabilitation of juvenile law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. The Juvenile Probation Officer assesses youths’ risks and needs, gathers information from youth, families, schools, law enforcement, and other agencies, and recommends rehabilitation plans, treatment, conditional release, and education and employment stipulations. The role involves case management, referrals, supervision, court participation, records management, and coordination with community partners. The position is based in Circuit 2 Probation and Community Intervention in Tallahassee, Florida, and may require evening and weekend work. Officers maintain ongoing contact with youth and families in homes, schools, detention centers, placements, workplaces, and other community settings. They develop case plans, connect youth with services, monitor progress and compliance, respond to crises and violations, and help plan transitions from residential programs. They document case activities and required forms in the Juvenile Justice Information System and participate in professional development and collaboration with providers and judicial partners.

Requirements

At least four years of experience working directly with adolescents in criminal justice, social services, or education.
Valid driver’s license; an out-of-state license must be replaced with a valid Florida license within 30 days of hire for Florida residents.
Maintain CPR and First Aid certifications throughout employment.
Obtain and maintain Department of Juvenile Justice direct care certification, including completing the mandatory residential training academy in Quincy, Florida, within 180 days of employment if not already certified.
Meet statutory eligibility requirements: at least 19 years old; high school graduate or equivalent; satisfy criminal history, discharge, fingerprinting, background investigation, and screening requirements; and submit the required affidavit of application.
Candidates not currently employed in the state system as a DJJ direct care worker may be required to pass the Ergometric IMPACT Assessment and Training Test after the interview phase.
A three-year acceptable driving record is required for positions involving transportation of youth.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Associate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience working directly with adolescents in criminal justice, social services, or education.
Certification as a State of Florida Juvenile Probation Officer.
Volunteer or internship experience with the Department of Juvenile Justice or social service agency programs.
Concentration in social sciences or related disciplines involving work with people, such as social work, sociology, or psychology.

Responsibilities

Initiate contact with youth, families, victims, and law enforcement when referrals are received; conduct home and school visits and gather collateral information from relevant agencies.
Conduct and document department-approved screening and assessment instruments to identify risks, needs, protective factors, and the need for additional evaluations.
Develop case management strategies and plans based on assessments and information gathered; refer youth and families to services and follow up on referrals.
Make supervision and treatment recommendations to the State Attorney and other judicial partners, and complete required screening instruments and court or department reports.
Represent the Department of Juvenile Justice at court hearings, prepare and maintain social histories and court documents, testify when appropriate, prepare violation-of-probation affidavits or petitions, and request hearings when appropriate.
Conduct face-to-face contacts with youth and families in homes, schools, and community settings, including during evenings and weekends; maintain communication and firsthand knowledge of the youth’s environment.
Help youth obtain mental health and substance abuse evaluations, specialized testing, treatment, crisis intervention, and education and after-school enrollment; monitor school attendance, performance, and behavior.
Support youth in setting and achieving personal goals; discuss supervision conditions, sanctions, timeframes, and anticipated termination dates with youth and families.
Staff cases with the unit supervisor, respond to risks and concerns, determine recommended handling of law violations, apply the Effective Response Matrix, and follow up on actions taken.
Conduct case staffing at benchmarks and milestones, including complex cases, detention timeframes, completion of requirements, violations, and transition or exit planning.
Participate in transition and exit planning for youth leaving residential programs, including referrals for mental health, substance abuse, education, and workforce services.
Enter case management, screening, assessment, and planning activities into the Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS); upload required documents and maintain accurate, timely records.
Maintain familiarity with community resources and provide input on service delivery issues, program development, and grant proposals when requested.
Attend and participate in professional development trainings and meetings, and follow departmental policies, procedures, and administrative rules.