Probation Officer

Hidalgo County, TX•Hidalgo, TX

32d

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 to ensure efforts are made to promote the rehabilitation and protection of the community from further delinquent acts. The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center's Probation Officer is directly accountable to a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor/Coordinator or designee. Applicants must be able to meet Juvenile Probation Officer Certification/Recertification standards as per the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Requirements

Have acquired a bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and
An applicant for the position of juvenile probation officer shall have one year of experience in fulltime case work, counseling, community or group work in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons; and that The Texas Juvenile Justice Department has determined provides the kind of experience necessary to meet this requirement;
In lieu of the work experience requirement, applicants must have one year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, law, social work, psychology, sociology, or other field of instruction approved by The Texas Juvenile Justice Department or qualifying work experience as specified in the Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 11 Chapter 344.210;
Possess strong organizational skills;
Must complete oral interviews;
Must meet Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 11 Chapter 344 and The Texas Juvenile Justice Departments standards for certification/recertification;
Applicant must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license.
Must be able to be insured by county insurance carrier.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake and risk assessments of youths to determine the appropriate level of supervision and intervention programs to ensure each youth is afforded an opportunity for rehabilitation;
Documents casework contact, status change, progress and problems to assure required contacts are being made as per standard/policies;
Responsible for the disposition of youths and the provision of appropriate resources necessary to meet the immediate and possible future needs of youth and their families;
Insures that The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center is managed in accordance with the policies/procedures/standards of Hidalgo County, the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
Knows how to keep up to date on any changes in policy/procedures/standards as they pertain to Hidalgo County, The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
Proficient in basic life saving methodology in order to effectively render medical assistance to juveniles on an as needed basis;
Ability to participate in training/certification in non-violent physical restraint technique as approved by the Department/Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
Ability to restrain youths;
Will be required to utilize a personal vehicle to make periodic home visits and transport youths;
Maintains procedures for accomplishing administrative requirements directed by The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center's Administration;
Sets the example regarding personal appearance, to include the wearing any prescribed uniforms and/or civilian clothing as per the Department dress code;
Is able to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, members of the general public, and other groups involved in the operation of The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center;
Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions/methods/procedures related to The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
Requires the ability to write reports with the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar;
Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Has good organizational, management, interpersonal, and technical skills;
Is able to use independent judgment and discretion in working with juveniles on department supervision, including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems;
Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or his/her designee