Probation Counselor 1

Spokane County • Hillsboro, OR

1d

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE The position allocated to this class perform investigative, counseling or casework duties. Initially, employees are provided on-the-job training on court procedures, department procedures and the law, and are assigned to work under the guidance of a higher level Probation Counselor or Supervisor. Duties include developing and presenting case histories and making recommendations to the Court regarding dependent, delinquent or at-risk youth; and overseeing and counseling youth on probation or in a confinement setting. As experience is gained, the work is performed with considerable professional independence. Cases are assigned by a Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in work such as casework, parole, probation, counseling, youth and group work, or detention.
• Counselor Agency Affiliated Registration at time of hire and maintained throughout employment with Juvenile Court.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or have the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County.
• Applicants selected must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Knowledge of the dependency field and criminal justice system as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of probation philosophy, methods and practices as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of report writing techniques.
• Knowledge of the literature, development, and trends in the field of juvenile probation.
• Skilled in basic computer word processing and data entry.
• Skilled in counseling delinquent, dependent or at-risk youth and their families.
• Skilled in understanding, interpreting and applying complex statutes, court regulations and rules.
• Skilled in expressing ideas and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations in an impartial manner and to prepare detailed case histories and reports.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Ability to convey a professional image via attire and demeanor.
• Ability to consistently make effective decisions.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, community and social agencies, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Receives and examines referrals to the Juvenile Court for the purpose of considering the filing of a petition or information pursuant to RCW chapter 13.32A, 13.34, or 13.40.070.
• Makes recommendations to the court regarding the need for continued detention or shelter care of a child.
• Monitors youth in the community directly with GPS tracking and indirectly through families, schools, job sites, etc.
• Arranges and supervises diversion agreements as provided in RCW 13.40.080 and ensures the requirements of such agreements are met.
• Prepares predisposition studies as required in RCW 13.34.120 and 13.40.130 and is present at the disposition hearing to respond to questions regarding the predisposition study.
• Supervises court orders of dispositions to ensure all requirements of the order are met.
• Gathers information to assess a youth's risk to community safety, themselves, and their possibility of being a flight risk.
• Administers behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse counseling.
• Evaluates options for release, detention, or detention with electronic monitoring authorized, and represents probation in delivering recommendations to the Court, after collaborating with co-workers, public defenders, and prosecutors.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Benefits

• Community Impact: Many people find fulfillment in public service, knowing their work has a positive impact on the lives of Spokane County residents. Whether through public safety, infrastructure projects, or social services, employees can make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community.
• Diverse Job Opportunities: Spokane County employs a diverse workforce, offering positions in fields such as law enforcement, social services, animal control, parks and recreation, administration, and more. This diversity allows for many employment opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets.
• Job Stability and Benefits: Spokane County offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including healthcare, vacation time, and retirement and pension plans that provide long-term financial security for employees.
• Career Growth: There are various opportunities for career advancement within Spokane County. We invest in employee training and professional development, enhancing employees' skills and qualifications.
• Work-Life Balance: We emphasize work-life balance, with reasonable work hours and policies that support employee well-being. If you’re seeking stability and a predictable schedule, you’re in the right place!
• Inclusive Workplace Culture: Spokane County aims to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees