Juvenile Probation Officer

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY

Probation officers provide monitoring, guidance, and case management services for youth with court‑ordered terms. This entry‑level role involves managing cases, preparing social histories, counseling, developing programs, and conducting group sessions to ensure compliance and support rehabilitation efforts.

• Provide general caseload management support, including coordinating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and directing communication.
• Conduct interviews, assessments, and use observation skills to identify the risk, needs, and strengths of youth.
• Develop evidence‑based case plans and terms in accordance with best‑practice philosophies.
• Prepare social histories, reports, and recommendations; maintain detailed records and case files.
• Enforce court orders through direct contact, monitor youth progress, administer drug tests, conduct searches, and provide other support to meet youth needs.
• Conduct office, home, or field visits in uncontrolled environments requiring continuous risk assessment, mitigation, and response.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony regarding youth behavior and compliance.
• Conduct educational group sessions and prepare cases for presentation at CMDT and state commitment staffings.
• Coordinate the processing of youth offenders through Interstate Compact agreements.
• Assess and report risks that may impact rehabilitation goals and community safety, including reporting abuse and other required interventions.
• Provide crisis intervention, de‑escalate volatile situations, and use defensive tactics as needed.
• Act as secondary security support during visits to ensure safety of staff, youth, and families.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with community resources.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related human services field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Must become certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) as a Probation Officer within one year of hire and maintain certification through annual training.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of modern probation services, best practices, and juvenile justice philosophy.
• Knowledge of the Balance Approach to Juvenile Justice, individual and group behavior, and juvenile court laws.
• Skills in conducting comprehensive interviews, using evidence‑based techniques, and operating a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to plan and organize work, conduct investigations, assess risk factors, counsel youths and/or adults, maintain confidentiality, communicate clearly under stress, work effectively with others, and recognize youth strengths, needs, and risks.

• Must have a valid Idaho driver’s license.
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics, values, and policies of Juvenile Services.
• Position is safety‑sensitive; subject to random drug testing.

Upon offer of employment, a medical examination, vision, and hearing examinations are required to meet POST physical standards. All physical examinations must be completed within two weeks of offer. The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years of age, and meet POST physical, moral, and behavioral standards. Post‑certification responsibilities include: flexible schedules (weekends, evenings, nights, holidays), field and office work, sufficient mobility and reflexes, defensive maneuvers, acute visual and auditory acuity, safe handling of materials, bending and reaching for searches, strength for lifting up to 20 lbs, exposure to hazardous materials, and emotional resilience when working with youth in challenging situations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Ada County provides Veteran’s Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" pursuant to Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.