Probation Officer

Hidalgo County•Edinburg, TX

About The Position

The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center’s Juvenile Probation Officer provides professional casework, supervision, and services for at-risk youths, promoting rehabilitation and protecting the community from further delinquent acts. The position is directly accountable to a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor/Coordinator or designee. Applicants must meet Juvenile Probation Officer certification and recertification standards established by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The officer conducts intake and risk assessments, determines appropriate supervision and interventions, documents casework and progress, and arranges dispositions and resources for youths and their families. The role requires compliance with Hidalgo County, Center, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department policies and standards; basic life-saving proficiency; participation in approved non-violent physical-restraint training; and the ability to restrain youths. The officer uses a personal vehicle for periodic home visits and youth transportation, completes administrative requirements, and adheres to the department dress code. The position requires effective communication, reading, writing, organizational, management, interpersonal, and technical skills. The officer exercises independent judgment and discretion in supervising juveniles, responding to emergencies, determining procedures, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Other duties may be assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
One year of full-time casework, counseling, community work, or group work experience in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency serving offenders or disadvantaged persons, as determined by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to qualify.
In lieu of the work-experience requirement, one year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, law, social work, psychology, sociology, or another field approved by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, or qualifying work experience specified in Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 11 Chapter 344.210.
Meet Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 11 Chapter 344 and Texas Juvenile Justice Department certification and recertification standards.
Hold a current, valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.
Be insurable by the county insurance carrier.
Possess strong organizational skills.
Complete oral interviews.
Be proficient in basic life-saving methodology.
Be able to participate in approved non-violent physical-restraint training and restrain youths.
Have effective communication, reading, writing, organizational, management, interpersonal, and technical skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and risk assessments to determine appropriate supervision levels and intervention programs.
Document casework contacts, status changes, progress, and problems, ensuring required contacts are made according to standards and policies.
Determine youth dispositions and provide appropriate resources for youths and their families’ immediate and potential future needs.
Ensure Center operations comply with Hidalgo County, Center, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department policies, procedures, and standards.
Stay current on changes to applicable policies, procedures, and standards.
Provide basic life-saving assistance to juveniles as needed.
Participate in approved training and certification in non-violent physical-restraint techniques and restrain youths when necessary.
Use a personal vehicle to conduct periodic home visits and transport youths.
Maintain administrative procedures and requirements directed by Center Administration.
Comply with the department dress code and set an appropriate example in personal appearance.
Communicate and interact effectively with supervisors, the public, and other groups involved in Center operations.
Read relevant documentation, instructions, methods, and procedures.
Write, assemble, and prepare clear, concise reports and documents using proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Use independent judgment and discretion in youth supervision, emergency situations, procedures, priorities, standards, and problem resolution.
Perform other duties assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee.