Lead Intake Probation Officer

Ellis, County of•Juvenile Services, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Intake Probation Officer is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the intake and assessment process for youth referred to the juvenile justice system. The position provides leadership and guidance to intake probation officers while ensuring that referrals are processed promptly, assessments are completed accurately, and appropriate recommendations are made to the court and other authorized agencies. The Lead Intake Probation Officer serves as a key liaison among the courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense counsel, families, treatment providers, and community-based organizations. The position requires sound professional judgment, strong leadership skills, knowledge of juvenile justice practices, and a commitment to rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology, juvenile justice, human services, or a related field; or qualifications consistent with applicable departmental requirements.
Experience working with juveniles, probation, social services, court services, corrections, or a related human-services field.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases and work independently.
Must meet all applicable requirements for appointment as a probation officer within the jurisdiction.
Must obtain First Aid Certification within six months of employment.
Must hold a valid Texas driver license and liability insurance coverage.
Driving record must reflect acceptable rating by Ellis County to operate a county vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory, lead-worker, training, or mentoring experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, coordinate, and monitor the daily activities of intake probation officers.
Review of juvenile referrals, complaints, reports, and other documentation to determine appropriate intake actions, to include detention or release of a juvenile.
Conduct or oversee intake interviews, risk/needs assessments, and social history investigations.
Evaluate information concerning the youth, family, school, behavioral history, and community circumstances.
Make recommendations regarding diversion, release, detention, probation, services, or other appropriate interventions.
Prepare accurate and comprehensive reports, summaries, and recommendations for the court.
Ensure intake decisions and documentation comply with applicable laws, departmental policies, and court procedures.
Provide guidance, coaching, training, and technical assistance to intake probation officers.
Review staff work for accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and compliance with established standards.
Monitor caseloads, assignments, deadlines, and workflow to ensure effective service delivery.
Respond to emergency and after-hours juvenile intake matters when required.
Participate in detention hearings, court proceedings, staffing meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary meetings.
Identify youth and families who may benefit from community-based services, treatment, counseling, educational programs, or other interventions.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely case records and electronic databases (JCMS).
Assist management with developing and implementing intake procedures, policies, and quality-improvement initiatives.
Monitor performance data and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
Address complex or high-risk cases and provide consultation to intake staff.
Promote professionalism, ethical conduct, cultural responsiveness, and respectful treatment of youth and families.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or department leadership.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule which can include evenings, weekends, holidays and after hours.
Must be able to be on call per rotation.