Probation Counselor

Tulsa County•Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

Under general supervision and within the scope of the Courts, division policies, and guidelines, the Probation Counselor aids juveniles adjudicated as wards of the court and families experiencing personal and environmental difficulties. The role conducts juvenile casework, counseling, supervision, crisis intervention, and treatment planning; prepares reports and recommendations for the judiciary; and coordinates with families, courts, law enforcement, schools, agency staff, and community partners. Level II duties additionally involve specialized dockets, partner meetings, support in the absence of Probation Coordinators, special projects, and training new or current employees. The position requires education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in sociology or a closely related field, and more than one year of satisfactory full-time employment in social work, juvenile work, or a related field. Level II requires three years of experience as a Probation Counselor with Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau, or two years of experience with a master's degree in sociology or a related field. A valid Oklahoma driver's license held for at least six months is required, as is completion of Tulsa County Defensive Driving within six months of hire. Employees entering a DOT/safety-sensitive position must test negative for drugs and alcohol before performing safety-sensitive duties or duties requiring a CDL. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Work is at the Family Center for Juvenile Justice. The work environment is usually moderately noisy. Physical requirements include regularly sitting and talking or hearing; occasional standing, walking, hand use, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for employees with disabilities.

Requirements

Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in sociology or a closely related field.
More than one year of satisfactory full-time employment in social work, juvenile work, or a related field.
Skill in recognizing underlying causes of social problems, counseling individuals about personal and family problems, and eliciting pertinent personal information.
Knowledge of sociology principles and practices applicable to juvenile casework; county and state regulations pertaining to juvenile care; departmental policies and procedures; Title 10A, Oklahoma State Statutes; and other laws and regulations relevant to juvenile justice.
Ability to deal tactfully with others; communicate facts and opinions clearly and concisely orally and in writing; establish effective interpersonal relationships; and create a constructive atmosphere for crisis problem solving.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions from groups and the public.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of contact management, database, internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
Valid Oklahoma driver's license held for at least six months.
Complete Tulsa County Defensive Driving within six months of hire.
For DOT/safety-sensitive duties or duties requiring a CDL, submit to drug and alcohol testing and test negative before performing those duties.

Responsibilities

Investigate juveniles' backgrounds, including school and arrest records; arrange psychological testing and medical examinations; and compile social histories and information related to treatment and court activities.
Accompany juveniles to court with a prepared dispositional study, service plan, and recommendation.
Implement counseling plans.
Work with law enforcement personnel, school officials, and other sections of the Bureau.
Provide casework, group work, and related services to children and families; develop individual treatment plans, including individual and group counseling.
Provide diagnostic services and crisis intervention for youth awaiting dispositional hearings.
Assess whether placement outside the home is necessary, provide information to residential placements, arrange transportation for staffing, and prepare families for a child's placement.
Supervise children on probation.
Prepare reports and recommendations for the judiciary.
Consult with the Clinical Supervisor and placement liaison on treatment planning.
Maintain files and monitoring reports as determined by the Juvenile Bureau.
Submit reports to the Unit Coordinator before court hearings.
Enter data in the Juvenile Online Tracking System (JOLTS).
Submit monthly statistical reports to the Unit Coordinator.
Participate in specialized dockets and planning or programming with internal and external community partners.
Attend agency and external meetings as a representative of the Probation Departments.
Provide support and guidance in the absence of Probation Coordinator(s).
Participate in special projects, including data collection, document creation, and presenting materials to agency leadership or community collaborators.
Help train new hires, assess their progress and preparedness for caseload assignment, and provide specific training to current employees when called upon under a Probation Coordinator's direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.