Juvenile Probation Officer

Harris County•Houston, TX

19h

About The Position

The Therapeutic Connections Unit (TCU) Juvenile Probation Officer works to increase access to effective services for youth with mental health and other therapeutic needs. The officer provides mental health and supervision services to youth with acute needs to help prevent removal from the home, reduce juvenile justice involvement, and connect youth with community-based supports. Working with designated providers, the officer coordinates therapeutic services for youth and families, with the primary objective of rehabilitation through comprehensive, coordinated community-based services. The role is within the Youth Diversion and Development Division, which provides community supervision and rehabilitative services to young people and families, and seeks to divert youth from further juvenile justice involvement. The position is grant-funded, full-time, and based in the Therapeutic Connections Unit within the Sex Offender Program. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, with some weekly late nights and Saturdays required.

Requirements

Complete the HCJPD Standard Basic Spelling & Grammar assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
One year of experience as a Certified Juvenile Probation Officer carrying a juvenile caseload.
Demonstrated competence in Motivational Interviewing as defined by MITI clinician ratings.
At least 40 hours of training in the specialized area, including 12 hours completed within the last 12 months.
Possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
Have transportation available for use on the job.
Working knowledge of YDD and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Working knowledge of adolescent mental health, diagnosis, interventions, and other acute therapeutic needs.
Knowledge of casework standards in accordance with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Knowledge of computer programs required to perform the job.
Knowledge of community resources and program development.
Be at least 21 years old.
Provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test; additional documentation is required if the result is positive.
Undergo a criminal background check and drug screening upon receiving a conditional job offer; employees are also subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
Provide certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits during the hiring process.
Document qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills on the job application; resume information alone will not be used for consideration.

Responsibilities

Serve as a casework coach, counselor, and services broker for youth and families.
Use knowledge of community partners and community-based services to support clients.
Collaborate with youth and families to develop strength-based case plans.
Promote family engagement through decision-making opportunities, educational workshops, and organized family events.
Provide programs to build skills and support youth in becoming productive community members, including programs to reduce recidivism, enhance self-esteem and social skills, improve academic performance and job skills, and support mental and physical well-being.
Partner with youth and families to identify and respond to service needs through regular contact, post-court interviews, home visits, office visits, and community visits.
Staff cases with service providers, community partners, supervisors, and other appropriate parties to triage needs and discuss continuity of care.
Maintain contact with other departmental personnel and placement facilities as required.
Communicate effectively in writing and orally, and maintain accurate and timely data entries.
Maintain active Juvenile Probation Officer certification in accordance with TJJD requirements.
Obtain 12 hours of annual training in the area of specialization to maintain the specialized JPO stipend.