Probation Officer

Lucas County•Toledo, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides community based supervision and support to assigned youth, with a strong emphasis on treatment planning that adheres to the fundamental principles of the Balanced and Restorative Justice Model; Community Safety, Accountability, Victim Reparation, and Competency Development. Works within the context of the Positive Youth Justice Model in an effort to reduce the likelihood of continued criminal behavior.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field.
At least two (2) years relevant work experience required, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Experience in Court or Juvenile Justice Systems is highly desirable.
Required to work with youth and families in the community setting, as well as willingness to develop and nurture relationships within the community.
Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills.
Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.
Must have the ability to work well with a diverse group of people, and must be able to use awareness of cultural values and biases to work effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Courtesy and a professional business demeanor and presentation are essential.
Professional business attire is required in courtroom setting.
Due to the personally sensitive nature of information in this area, confidentiality is essential.
Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age; have a valid driver’s license; and submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, psychological exam, TB screen, drug screen) criminal record check and in-depth reference check.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies is preferred as there is a high probability of experiencing situations that involve an elevated stress level while dealing with aggressive or uncooperative youth.

Responsibilities

Maintains caseload of youth on probation; meets regularly with youth and families; supervises, assists and counsels youth as ordered by the Court; implements Court Orders; files probation violations; appears in Court to testify; assists in devising case plans for youth; determines risk level of youth; makes recommendations to the Court.
Nurtures and develops relationships with youth and families by engaging with them in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools. This may also include building partnerships with service providers, the faith-based community, and community centers to assist in supporting our youth.
Will be required to work irregular hours including evenings as outlined by departmental flex policy.
Maintains contact standards with youth and families as required by departmental policy. Contacts should occur primarily in the home and in the community.
Teaches skills to assigned youth using the Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS) Model, which is based on teaching cognitive intervention skills to youth.
Utilizes the Motivational Interviewing client-centered counseling approach with youth and families.
Utilizes the Positive Youth Justice Model in working with youth to identify and build on their strengths and interests as a means of diverting them from further involvement in the Juvenile Justice System.
Refers youth and families to services and programs in their community based on their individual needs. Acts as a liaison between youth and/or their families and the service provider to ensure delivery of the recommended service(s).
Maintains case notes, develops and implements treatment plans, and submits Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS) reports as required by departmental policy.
Prepares Performance Measures report to capture youth and family’s response to treatment interventions, educational and vocational progress, completion of court orders, and skill building.
Gathers collateral information on cases from community agencies and treatment service providers.
Appears in Court to provide case information and present recommendations as required. Confers with prosecutors, attorneys, magistrates and judges in conjunction with court hearings.
Utilizes the Graduated Response Continuum to hold youth accountable and address issues of non-compliance as well as providing incentives for positive pro-social behaviors.
Prepares and processes items such as motions to show cause, requests for minor warrants, requests for psychological evaluations, placement checklist forms, correspondence and other reports as required.
Assumes the roles and responsibilities of a “mandated reporter” as required by law when reporting information of alleged abuse or neglect.
Makes referrals for the assessment and treatment of substance abuse and mental health related problems.
Presents case information to Resource Staffing Team and others as required.
Attends staffings at treatment facilities to monitor youth’s treatment progress.
Will be required to accompany youth on community service projects, community engagement activities, employment training/opportunities and any other event that supports positive youth development.
May be required to represent the Court at community meetings, or as part of an inter-system working group or community coalition.
Attends mandatory staff meetings and training as assigned.
Collects and properly processes urine samples for substance abuse testing.
Provides support and backup to other employees as needed or requested.
May be required to assist in the collection of research or information for special projects.
All other duties as assigned.