Probation Program Assistant

Job Description - Probation Program Assistant )

Position Title:

Probation Program Assistant

External

This:
The first review of applications will be July 13, 2026. This position is open until filled.

Required documents:
Resume (include dates of employment and supervisor’s name/phone number for each position);
Three Professional References.

Applicants must check the “relevant document” box on the State of Montana Careers website.

The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

New employees serve a one-year probationary period and are subject to a criminal background check, including the Child Protection Services registry.

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the PSLF program

Initial assessment, community service, probation compliance tracking, restitution monitoring, and youth education work in support of the probation program in a youth probation department.

The role includes performing initial assessments of youth offenders after normal working hours; assisting probation officers by coordinating community service projects; monitoring compliance; managing restitution; providing educational support; facilitating drug/alcohol programs; and recruiting and training community task force members.

• Perform initial assessment of offenders taken into custody after normal working hours; determine seriousness of the situation; track juvenile offenders on house arrest or curfew.
• Develop new community service work sites; organize and schedule projects; explain requirements.
• Provide direct supervision for community service commitments; maintain records of hours; report to probation officer or supervisor.
• Provide onsite supervision for youth during working hours.
• Facilitate or present youth programs such as alcohol awareness; research topics and resources; maintain records.
• Serve as liaison with Compliance Tracker.
• Recruit, screen, and train members of community youth task forces; investigate and evaluate task force activities; identify subcommittees.
• Initiate contact with victims for restitution payment; set up payment schedules; track payments; handle paperwork.
• Transport probationers to and from work sites or other facilities.
• Monitor and record dispositions assigned to youth; contact youth to encourage compliance; track and record compliance; prepare compliance reports.
• Provide instruction to youth in classroom settings; evaluate progress; maintain order; provide feedback to parents and guardians; prepare reports and records.
• Assist probation officer in developing case plans; provide after‑school tutoring; track progress.
• Maintain database of program and/or financial aspects of the assigned program.
• May provide courtroom testimony when requested.
• May prepare legal documents such as petitions, orders, and summons as assigned.

• Knowledge of youth probation principles and court procedures.
• Knowledge of youth behavior and family dynamics.
• Computer proficiency with word processing.
• Knowledge of the Montana Youth Court Act provisions on probation programs.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply probation policies and the Montana Youth Court Act.
• Ability to establish and maintain records systems and databases for compliance tracking.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to build effective relationships with youth, families, school personnel, and the public.
• Adaptability and firmness when necessary.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Write clear concise activity reports.
• Ability to de‑escalate upset or angry individuals.
• Prepare legal documents if required.

• Work primarily outside the office; exposure to normal risks; potential for violent or non‑compliant youth; varying weather conditions.

• Sitting for long periods, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, lifting light to medium objects; operating office…