Juvenile Probation Officer
About The Position
Investigates, supervises, and counsels juvenile criminal offenders. This role involves screening juveniles, conducting investigations into their backgrounds, and developing supervision plans to promote rehabilitation and deter criminal behavior. The officer will monitor cases for compliance, conduct various types of visits (office, home, school, placement), and provide counseling to juveniles and their families. Referrals to treatment centers and community resources are a key part of the role, as is maintaining case files and documenting all relevant information. The position also requires preparing reports, testifying in court, and participating in staff meetings and training sessions. Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice or related field approved by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department; one year (18 hours) of graduate work in approved field of instruction - or - one year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community or group work in an approved social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons.
- Certification by Texas Juvenile Justice Department
- Valid Texas Driver’s License
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Typing skills
- Computer skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Counseling skills
- Leadership ability
- Problem solving skills
Responsibilities
- Screens juveniles following referral to determine appropriate handling.
- Conducts investigations of referral's past delinquency record, school attendance, home environment, mental stability, and general attitude.
- Conducts pre-court investigations of juvenile offenders and compiles results into written reports.
- Develops supervision plans for rehabilitation and deterrence of criminal behavior.
- Supervises assigned cases administratively and monitors compliance with probation rules.
- Reports any violations of probation.
- Conducts scheduled office visits, telephone contacts, home visits, school visits, placement visits, and other field visits.
- Transports and escorts clients as required.
- Counsels assigned juvenile offenders, parents, and other family members.
- Assists with instruction of sex offender group or other group counseling.
- Makes referrals to treatment centers and/or community resource agencies.
- Contacts local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and other agencies as required.
- Maintains current files on all assigned cases and documents all contact relevant to probationers.
- Records information in chronos and compiles data and statistics.
- Prepares reports, case records, closing and transfer summaries, curfew checks, etc.
- Makes recommendations regarding release or further legal action, including possible confinement.
- Testifies in court and participates in Detention Hearings.
- Transports and/or escorts juvenile and family to court and for other services.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings.
- Attends training sessions, educational seminars, and workshops.
- Fulfills continuing education requirements.
- Makes educational and/or instructional presentations to various groups.
- Performs other public relations activities as assigned.
- Performs other job-related duties as directed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
