JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER - 80002594

State of Florida•Saint Petersburg, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Probation Officer provides social services to support the rehabilitation of juvenile law offenders who are in custody or on probation or parole. The officer gathers information about youth and families, assesses risks and needs, formulates case management and rehabilitation plans, recommends treatment and supervision, and makes service referrals. The role also supports appropriate conditional release, education, and employment stipulations. The officer represents the Department of Juvenile Justice in court proceedings, prepares reports and legal documents, testifies when appropriate, and monitors youth and family progress during supervision. The position involves face-to-face contacts in homes, schools, detention centers, workplaces, treatment settings, and other community locations, including some evenings and weekends. The officer records case activity in the Juvenile Justice Information System, collaborates with community and judicial partners, and participates in professional development and transition planning.

Requirements

Four years of experience working directly with adolescents in criminal justice, social services, or education.
A valid driver's license is required.
Knowledge of case management practices, interviewing and counseling techniques, and computer programs.
Ability to make recommendations concerning the processing and handling of delinquent youth and to develop case plans.
Ability to communicate effectively, determine work priorities, and establish effective working relationships with community and judicial partners.
Ability to make independent decisions based on individual analysis and to conduct and document interviews.
Maintain Protective Action Response (PAR), CPR, and First Aid certifications throughout employment.
Obtain and maintain required Florida Department of Juvenile Justice direct-care certification; if not already certified, complete certification within 180 days of employment, including successful completion of a mandatory residential training academy in Quincy, Florida.
Meet the statutory conditions for employment, including being at least 19 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and meeting specified criminal-history, background-screening, fingerprinting, and affidavit requirements.
Prospective candidates are subject to sex offender, criminal background, and pre-employment drug screening checks.
Candidates not already in the state system as DJJ direct-care workers may be required to pass Ergometric's IMPACT Assessment and Training Test after the interview phase.
Complete the candidate profile in its entirety, including accurate employment and non-employment history, education, training, and other required information.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
An 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.
A concentration in social sciences or a related discipline, such as social work, sociology, or psychology.

Responsibilities

Contact youth, families, victims, and law enforcement when referrals are received, and conduct home and school visits to gather information and involve families.
Obtain and review collateral information about youth, including abuse and neglect history, education, mental health, substance use, and gang-related activity.
Conduct and document departmental screenings and assessments to identify risk, needs, protective factors, and needs for further evaluation.
Develop case management strategies and plans based on assessments and information gathered.
Refer youth and families to appropriate services and follow up on referrals.
Recommend supervision and treatment to the State Attorney and judicial partners.
Complete departmental and court screening instruments, assessments, case plans, reports, commitment packets, and termination documents.
Represent the Department of Juvenile Justice during court hearings and support departmental recommendations.
Prepare and maintain social histories, court reports, referral letters, and related correspondence; testify at hearings when appropriate.
Prepare affidavits or petitions for violations of probation when required and request hearings when appropriate.
Conduct risk and needs assessments for youth screened or supervised by the department.
Conduct face-to-face contacts with youth and families in homes, schools, and community settings, including during non-traditional hours.
Maintain communication with youth and families and develop firsthand knowledge of their environments through visits to relevant locations.
Help youth obtain mental health and substance abuse evaluations, specialized testing, and treatment as needed.
Assist youth and families with school and after-school enrollment, and monitor attendance, academic performance, and behavior.
Provide crisis intervention assistance and connect youth and families with crisis services and resources.
Help youth establish personal goals and plans and provide ongoing support toward achieving goals and maintaining skills.
Discuss goals, supervision conditions, sanctions, timeframes, and anticipated supervision termination with youth and families.
Staff cases, plans, and violations with the unit supervisor and respond to risks, concerns, and needs in accordance with policy and law.
Determine appropriate responses to law violations using the Effective Response Matrix and follow up on actions taken.
Conduct case staffing at required benchmarks, milestones, complex-case points, and transition or exit planning stages.
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 activities and upload required forms and documents into the Juvenile Justice Information System accurately and promptly.
Maintain familiarity with community resources and provide input on service delivery, program development, and grant proposals when requested.
Attend and participate in professional development trainings and meetings, and follow departmental policies, procedures, and administrative rules.