Probation - Juvenile Center - Juvenile Probation Officer

Allen County Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Juvenile Probation Officer – Detention Alternative Program is a sworn Special Allen County Deputy Sheriff responsible for supervising juveniles assigned to the Detention Alternative Program or Electronic Monitoring Program. Under the direction of the Probation Supervisor – Detention Alternative Programs, the officer ensures that juveniles comply with supervision conditions, maintains accurate case records, and advises the Court of violations. The position is covered by the Superior Court Employee Handbook and is an employee-at-will position. The officer investigates juvenile cases, conducts risk assessments and preliminary inquiries, prepares reports and recommendations, and supports court proceedings. The role includes advising juveniles and parents of allegations and rights, coordinating with prosecutors and service providers, supervising probationers through visits and appointments, responding to violations, and arranging referrals and placements. It also involves transporting juveniles, operating home-detention equipment, collecting samples and conducting alcohol tests, maintaining equipment and a County vehicle, and responding to probation or home-detention violations on a 24/7 basis. Hours vary but total 40 hours per week; overtime may be 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 the 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 required Department training.
Pass a psychological examination by a Court-designated psychologist.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within one year.
Obtain certification in chemical-agent usage and electronic-monitoring equipment.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to probation operations, with the ability to apply and enforce regulations.
Working knowledge of standard Allen County and probation-operation policies and practices.
Ability to effectively interview, investigate, counsel, and work with clients and their families.
Knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients through government, social, and private agencies.
Ability to use restraint techniques, handcuffs, chemical spray, and firearms.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum age of 21 years.
Attend an Indiana Judicial Center orientation program within one year of the first employment date.
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 Indiana Youth Assessment System risk assessments and required communications and data entry through designated court and child-welfare systems.
Conduct preliminary inquiry, prehearing, predispositional, and other Court-required investigations; prepare reports and recommendations.
Advise juveniles and their parents of allegations and rights, and confer with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding informal adjustment agreements where appropriate.
Prepare petitions for no-contact orders, parent participation plans, case plans, permanency plans, placement progress reports, and financial reports as required.
Notify victims, attend hearings, testify at dispositional hearings, and provide the Court with accurate case information.
Conduct criminal-history checks and consult with professionals about appropriate care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement for juveniles.
Supervise and assist probationers through home and school visits, probation appointments, counseling and agency contacts, crisis management, mediation, and other suitable methods.
Maintain accurate case records, document contacts with juveniles and families, and advise the Court of probation violations or recommended modifications to probation conditions.
Collect and disburse money from probationers and assist with probation transfers when appropriate.
Supervise juveniles in out-of-county residential, group-home, foster-care, and community-service placements; monitor DOC commitment cases for possible reassertion of jurisdiction.
Follow up with juveniles and families to ensure they understand court proceedings and probation requirements; answer questions from parents and other interested parties as appropriate.
Make referrals to counseling and social-service agencies and cooperate with public and private agencies and others involved in juvenile welfare and treatment.
Act as a liaison with law enforcement and transport juveniles to homes, detention, or shelter-care facilities when necessary.
Transport juveniles home and set up home-detention ankle equipment, reviewing program rules with the juvenile and parent.
Respond to probation and home-detention violations on a 24/7 basis; collect urine samples for drug testing and conduct portable breath tests for alcohol.
Maintain home-detention equipment and clean and maintain the County vehicle.
Perform other assigned duties, including overtime as required.