Juvenile Probation Officer

Harris County•Houston, TX

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 help prevent youth from being removed from their homes, reduce their involvement in the juvenile justice system, and connect them with community-based supports. Working with designated mental health and other service providers, the officer coordinates therapeutic services for youth and families. The primary objective is to rehabilitate youth through comprehensive, coordinated community-based mental health and therapeutic services. The position is in the Youth Diversion and Development Division’s Therapeutic Connections Unit, with the Special Needs Diversionary Program. The division provides community-based supervision and rehabilitative services to young people and their families, and offers informal alternatives and diversion programs. This is a grant-funded, full-time role requiring 40 hours per week, with some weekly late nights and Saturdays. The annual salary is $58,573.

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.
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.
Valid Texas driver’s license, available transportation for work use, and vehicle liability insurance meeting at least the statutory minimum requirements.
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 Texas Juvenile Justice Department casework standards.
Knowledge of computer programs needed to perform the job.
Knowledge of community resources and program development.
Ability to maintain active Juvenile Probation Officer certification in accordance with TJJD requirements.
To maintain the specialized JPO stipend, obtain 12 hours of training yearly in the area of specialization.
Be at least 21 years old.
Complete a criminal background check and drug screening upon conditional offer; provide evidence of a tuberculosis skin test and additional documentation if the test result is positive.
Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing and testing based on reasonable suspicion.
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; a resume may be attached as supporting documentation, but information stated only on a resume or as “See Resume” will not be accepted.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a Certified Juvenile Probation Officer carrying a juvenile caseload.

Responsibilities

Serve as a casework coach, counselor, and broker of services for youth and families.
Identify community partners and use community-based services for 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 or coordinate programs that build skills, reduce recidivism, enhance self-esteem and social skills, improve academic performance and job skills, and support mental and physical well-being.
Maintain regular contact with youth and families and conduct post-court interviews, home visits, office visits, and community visits to identify and respond to service needs.
Staff cases with service providers, community partners, supervisors, and other appropriate parties to triage and discuss continuity of care.
Maintain contact with departmental personnel and placement facilities as required.
Communicate effectively in writing and orally, and maintain accurate and timely data entries.
Use crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies when necessary to help ensure the safety of youth and staff.