Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer

Job Title

Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer (18008) )

This is professional human services and social work involving the direction, supervision, and guidance of juveniles on probation and/or in placement outside the home.

Work includes working with juveniles, their families, school staff, and representatives from social service and law enforcement agencies to preserve the unity and welfare of the family; provide for the care, protection and wholesome mental and physical development of the juvenile; prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and/or chemical dependency through a system that provides supervision, care, rehabilitation, treatment, detention, competency development, and community protection for the juvenile to avoid the juvenile becoming an adult offender;

and ensure that juvenile pay restitution to victims as ordered by the court.

A position may be assigned duties in a specialized area such as a youth drug court program or restitution. Decisions made in the course of work can have profound effects on the juvenile and family and include imposing limits on curfew and peer associations; arranging for counseling, evaluations, and academic support; arranging for family-based counseling services; or removing youth from a situation or circumstances not in their best interest.

Initially, work is performed under the close supervision of a chief probation officer or more experienced juvenile probation officer. Once experience is gained, work is performed with considerable independent judgment, discretion, and decision making. Work is evaluated by a chief probation officer for conformance with the Montana Youth Court Act through discussions, review of case reports, and an annual evaluation.

Evaluates case, police, and arrest reports to make initial determination of the validity of criminal charges and makes appropriate referrals to the county attorney’s office; conducts intake hearings on youth who have violated the law and forwards appropriate cases to the county attorney for prosecution.

Makes initial assessment of youth to determine risk level, mental health, and chemical dependency problems; interviews youth, families, victims, school personnel, professional service providers and others to gather factual and social information; assesses information and recommends appropriate placements and/or treatments in the best interest of the youth.

Completes timely and accurate reports to the court including findings, recommendations, and justifications for recommendations, considerations of community protection, accountability and building competency for youth as well as victim impact implications; testifies in court.

Meets regularly with assigned youth to provide counseling, setting goals, acquiring education, developing life skills, and complying with their probation conditions or treatment programs; maintains contact with parents, including home visits, to coordinate implementation of case plans. Develops appropriate case plans based on initial assessment of youth and their family.

Gathers information, prepares reports, and makes presentations before the youth placement committee after formal court adjudication and prior to formal disposition and placement.

Supervises assigned youth who are on formal or informal probation and monitors compliance with probation conditions including school, employment, counseling, community service, and restitution.

Provides crisis intervention services, including making referrals and facilitating placement while families work out problems.

May serve as a member of an internal or community committee to assist in the development of policy or provide recommendations to the chief probation officer on the development of new or enhanced programs.

May function in a specialized area such as a youth drug court or restitution program.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, Human Services or Criminal Justice is required.
• One year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, youth services, or social services is required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a…