Juvenile Probation Officer

Probation Officer I

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

Distinguishing features of the class: A Probation Officer I is an entry level position where the incumbent is provided close supervision, training and learning opportunities. The Probation Officer I must become JPO certified through Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST).

• Provides general caseload management support, including coordinating schedules, prioritizing tasks, directing communication, and related tasks;
• Conducts interviews, assessments, and uses observation skills to identify the risk, needs, and strengths of youth;
• Develops case plans and terms in accordance with evidence based/ best practice philosophies;
• Prepare social history and other reports, recommendations, and maintains detailed records and case files;
• Enforces court orders through direct contact with youth and families; monitors youth progress and behavior; ensures compliance with probation conditions; administers drug tests; conducts searches; and provides other probation support to address youth needs and court requirements;
• Conducts office visits or travels for home or field visits to meet with youth and families in uncontrolled environments requiring continual risk assessment, mitigation, and response to ensure safe conditions;
• Attends court hearings and provides testimony regarding youth behavior and compliance;
• Conducts educational group sessions;
• Prepares cases for presentation at Court Multi-Disciplinary Team (CMDT) and state commitment staffings;
• Coordinates the processing of youth offenders through Interstate Compact agreements;
• Assesses for and reports on risks that may impact youth rehabilitation goals and the safety and well-being of youth or the community, which may include identifying drugs and paraphernalia, reporting physical/sexual abuse, or other matters that require intervention;
• Provides crises intervention, which requires responding to high-risk situations, de-escalating volatile situations, and using defensive tactics;
• Acts as a secondary security support to ensure safety of other Probation Officers, youth, and families in certain situational and operational visits as required;
• Maintains cooperative relationships with community resources;

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related human services field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required;
• Must become certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) as a Probation Officer within one year of hire and maintain certification to include annual training;
• Must pass a criminal background check;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;
• Knowledge of modern probation services, best practices, and philosophy;
• Knowledge of the Balance Approach to Juvenile Justice;
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior;
• Knowledge the laws pertaining to the Juvenile Court;
• Skills in conducting comprehensive interviews utilizing training and best practice / evidence-based techniques;
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist youths and aid in case plan development;
• Knowledge of problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer;
• Skill in the operation of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Ability to plan and organize work;
• Ability to conduct an investigation through the use of interviews and other techniques;
• Ability to effectively assess risk factors, reach appropriate conclusions, and articulate those conclusions;
• Ability to effectively work with and counsel youths and/or adults;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to communicate clearly in stressful situations;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationship;
• Ability to recognize a youth's strengths, needs, and risks.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver's license;
• Must pass a criminal background check;
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics, Values and Policies of Juvenile Services;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

The position requires that the incumbent meet POST Standards for Juvenile Probation Officers. Upon an offer of employment as a Probation Officer, a medical examination is required, as well as vision and hearing examinations. The applicant shall meet the POST physical standards to qualify for employment as a Probation Officer at Ada County Juvenile Services. All physical examinations shall be completed within two (2) weeks of an offer of employment.

Other POST certification requirements include:

• Must be a citizen of the United States;
• Must be at least 21…