JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER - 80002302

State of Florida•Ocala, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides social services to assist in the rehabilitation of juvenile law offenders who are in custody or on probation or parole. The Juvenile Probation Officer recommends rehabilitation plans and treatment, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations. This is a pool announcement, and multiple positions will be hired. The position is with Circuit 5 Probation & Community Intervention in Ocala, Florida, and may require evening and weekend work in addition to business hours. The officer works with youth, families, victims, law enforcement, service providers, courts, and community partners throughout the juvenile justice process. Duties include assessing risks and needs, developing case management strategies, making referrals and recommendations, supervising youth, supporting court proceedings, maintaining records in the Juvenile Justice Information System, and planning transitions from residential programs. The position requires four years of experience working directly with adolescents in criminal justice, social services, or education, as well as a valid driver’s license. Employees must maintain CPR and First Aid certifications and meet the Department of Juvenile Justice’s direct-care certification requirements. Candidates who are not already direct-care workers in the state system may be required to pass an assessment and training test. The position is subject to background checks and pre-employment drug screening.

Requirements

Four years of experience working directly with adolescents in criminal justice, social services, or education.
A valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of case management practices and interviewing and counseling techniques.
Knowledge of computer programs.
Ability to recommend the processing and handling of delinquent youth.
Ability to develop case plans and communicate effectively.
Ability to determine work priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community and judicial partners for information sharing and collaboration.
Ability to make independent decisions based on individual analysis.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to conduct and document interviews.
Must be at least 19 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
Must not have disqualifying felony or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury or false statements, or a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces, as specified in Florida Statute 985.66.
Must comply with fingerprinting, background investigation, and other screening requirements.
Must execute and submit the required affidavit of application.
Must maintain CPR and First Aid certifications throughout employment.
Must obtain and maintain Department of Juvenile Justice direct-care certification, including completing the required residential training academy within 180 days of employment if not already certified.
Candidates who are not currently direct-care workers in the state system may be required to pass Ergometric’s IMPACT Assessment and Training Test.
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.
Experience as a volunteer or intern with the Department of Juvenile Justice or social service agency programs.
A concentration in social sciences or 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 about youth and families.
Conduct and document department-approved screening and assessment instruments to identify risks, needs, protective factors, and need for further evaluations.
Develop case management strategies 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 other judicial partners.
Complete department and court screening instruments and reports, including detention screening, suicide risk screening, case plans, disposition reports, progress reports, commitment packets, and termination-of-supervision documentation.
Represent the Department of Juvenile Justice in court hearings and support departmental recommendations.
Prepare and maintain social histories, court reports, referral letters, and related correspondence.
Testify at hearings 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 as needed.
Maintain communication with youth and families and obtain firsthand knowledge of their living situations and environments.
Assist youth in obtaining mental health and substance abuse evaluations, specialized testing, and treatment as needed.
Support school and after-school enrollment, maintain contact with schools, and verify attendance, academic performance, and behavior.
Provide crisis intervention assistance and connect youth and families with crisis resources.
Help youth establish goals and plans, provide ongoing support, and discuss timeframes, supervision conditions, and expected completion dates.
Respond to risks and needs, staff cases with the unit supervisor, determine appropriate handling of law violations, and follow up on interventions.
Conduct case staffing when required by benchmarks, milestones, violations, complex circumstances, or transition and exit planning.
Participate in transition and exit planning for youth leaving residential programs and arrange referrals for post-residential services.
Enter case management activities, screenings, assessments, and case plans into the Juvenile Justice Information System and upload required documents.
Maintain familiarity with community resources and provide input on service delivery issues, program development, and grant proposals when requested.
Attend professional development trainings and meetings and follow departmental policies, procedures, and administrative rules.