Juvenile Probation Officer

Ada County • Boise, ID

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ada County is seeking a Juvenile Probation Officer to join their growing Juvenile Services team. This role involves providing monitoring, guidance, and case management services for youth with court-ordered terms. Responsibilities include managing cases, preparing social histories, counseling, developing programs, and conducting group sessions to ensure compliance and support rehabilitation efforts for youth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related human services field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Must become certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) as a Probation Officer within one year of hire and maintain certification to include annual training.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of modern probation services, best practices, and philosophy.
• Knowledge of the Balance Approach to Juvenile Justice.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge the laws pertaining to the Juvenile Court.
• Skills in conducting comprehensive interviews utilizing training and best practice / evidence-based techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist youths and aid in case plan development.
• Knowledge of problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer.
• Skill in the operation of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to conduct an investigation through the use of interviews and other techniques.
• Ability to effectively assess risk factors, reach appropriate conclusions, and articulate those conclusions.
• Ability to effectively work with and counsel youths and/or adults.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate clearly in stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationship.
• Ability to recognize a youth’s strengths, needs, and risks.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license.
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics, Values and Policies of Juvenile Services.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must not have been made ineligible for certification based on past conduct as defined by IDAPA 11, Rules of the Idaho POST Council, which includes certain criminal, drug, or controlled-substance violations, other-than-honorable military discharge status, or past decertification or denial of certification.

Responsibilities

• Provides general caseload management support, including coordinating schedules, prioritizing tasks, directing communication, and related tasks.
• Conducts interviews, assessments, and uses observation skills to identify the risk, needs, and strengths of youth.
• Develops case plans and terms in accordance with evidence based/ best practice philosophies.
• Prepare social history and other reports, recommendations, and maintains detailed records and case files.
• Enforces court orders through direct contact with youth and families; monitors youth progress and behavior; ensures compliance with probation conditions; administers drug tests; conducts searches; and provides other probation support to address youth needs and court requirements.
• Conducts office visits or travels for home or field visits to meet with youth and families in uncontrolled environments requiring continual risk assessment, mitigation, and response to ensure safe conditions.
• Attends court hearings and provides testimony regarding youth behavior and compliance.
• Conducts educational group sessions.
• Prepares cases for presentation at Court Multi-Disciplinary Team (CMDT) and state commitment staffings.
• Coordinates the processing of youth offenders through Interstate Compact agreements.
• Assesses for and reports on risks that may impact youth rehabilitation goals and the safety and well-being of youth or the community, which may include identifying drugs and paraphernalia, reporting physical/sexual abuse, or other matters that require intervention.
• Provides crises intervention, which requires responding to high-risk situations, de-escalating volatile situations, and using defensive tactics.
• Acts as a secondary security support to ensure safety of other Probation Officers, youth, and families in certain situational and operational visits as required.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with community resources.
• Performs related functions as required.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 13.98 % employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance
• Robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level