Probation Program Assistant

Job Title: Probation Program Assistant )

This is initial assessment, community service, probation compliance tracking, restitution monitoring, or youth education work in support of the probation program in a youth probation department.

• Perform initial assessment of youth offenders taken into custody after normal working hours, determining the seriousness of the situation and contacting appropriate individuals if necessary.
• Track juvenile offenders on house arrest or curfew.
• Develop new community service work sites, organize and schedule community service projects, and explain requirements to probationers.
• Provide direct supervision to those completing community service commitments, maintain records of hours worked, and provide activity reports.
• Facilitate or present programs for youth such as an alcohol awareness program and maintain records of programs presented.
• Provide liaison contact with Compliance Tracker.
• Recruit, screen, and train members of the community who serve on task forces.
• Initiate contact with victims to determine restitution amounts, set payment schedules, track payments, and initiate paperwork for victim payment.
• Transport probationers to and from work sites or other facilities.
• Monitor and record dispositions assigned to youth, contact youth for compliance, track compliance or non‑compliance, and prepare status reports.
• Provide instruction to youths in a classroom setting per lesson plans, evaluate progress, maintain order, provide feedback to parents, and prepare reports.
• Assist a probation officer with case plan development, provide after‑school tutoring, and track progress.
• Maintain database for program and/or financial aspects.
• Provide courtroom testimony when requested.
• Prepare legal documents such as petitions, orders, and summons.

• Graduation from an approved high or vocational school.
• Approved college‑level coursework in behavioral sciences and experience working with youth preferred.
• Knowledge of the general principles of youth probation work and related court procedures.
• Knowledge of youth behavior and family dynamics.
• Some knowledge of personal computer operations with a word processing application.
• Knowledge of the provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain records systems and databases.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with a word processing application.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with youth, families, school personnel, supervisors, the chief probation officer, and the public.
• Ability to be perceptive, versatile, flexible yet firm and matter of fact when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally or in writing.
• Ability to write clear and concise activity reports.
• Ability to deal with upset, angry, and emotionally charged people in a calming manner.
• Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license.
• Proof of insurability if using a personal vehicle on state business.

Work/life balance, family friendly policies, dedicated and caring colleagues, health coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, opportunities for professional growth, public service loan forgiveness.

Majority of work performed outside the office environment. Employees may be exposed to violent or non‑compliant youth or family members and may work in a variety of weather conditions.

Sitting for long periods, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, lifting light to medium objects, operating office equipment. Field work may require operating gas or electric powered equipment.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources system. The Montana Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.