Assistant Probation Officer - JSC Facility Job Hastings area,Minnesota USA,Social Work

POSTING TYPE:
Open Competitive; DEPARTMENT:
Community Corrections;

HOURS:

Full-time; HIRING RANGE: $58,606–$65,932/annually; FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606–$91,571 Annually (106 Salary Grade);

LOCATION:

Juvenile Services Center (Hastings, MN); UNION: AFSCME 450; CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 6/26/2026.

Job Summary

The facility-based Assistant Probation Officer position works within the Dakota County Juvenile Services Center’s 24‑hour secured juvenile detention facility and is responsible for providing direct supervision to clients to ensure a safe environment, meet case‑plan goals, prepare progress notes and incident reports while working as part of a treatment team.

Schedule

May include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Day and evening staff work a 4‑day on, 2‑day off rotation. Overnight staff work a 6‑day on, 3‑day off rotation.

Must be 21 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Required Qualifications

Associate’s degree or equivalent of two years post‑secondary education in corrections, counseling, criminal justice, education, psychology, sociology, social work, or related human services field AND one year experience in corrections, human services treatment programs, or related experience.
Three years experience in corrections, human services treatment programs, or related experience.
Combination of education and experience to equal three or more years.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license required.
First Aid/CPR certificate within 6 months of hire. Training is provided.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in corrections, counseling, criminal justice, education, psychology, sociology, social work, or related human services field.

Responsibilities

Provide and manage direct services to clients as a group (maximum of 8 per Assistant Probation Officer). Monitor resident’s compliance with facility rules. Assist youth in completing their case plan goals during the day.

Facilitate client programming throughout the day/evening including recreation, cognitive groups, meals and schooling. Utilize evidence‑based practices of cognitive‑behavioral groups including Skill streaming, Truthought, Carey Guides and Decision Points.

Employ motivational interviewing to de‑escalate clients in crisis in a safe manner.

Complete daily client notes and monthly reports.

Complete on‑time well‑being checks using an electronic device.

Respond in a timely and respectful manner to residents/guardians, victims, and Dakota County service’s questions as well as concerns.

Consistently maintain the safety and security of the JSC to include monitoring and observing clients throughout the day. This includes providing effective interventions and using safety equipment as well as trained control tactic restraints with appropriate use of force.

Staff the Control Center to include monitoring all program activities in the JSC, communicating emergencies effectively, controlling movement of all persons in the JSC secure facility, monitoring the alarm systems, answering incoming phone calls, and controlling facility keys.

Ready clients for court and assist in the intake process.

Essential Functions

Knowledge of general and specific safety and security issues of detainment including appropriate use of force.
Knowledge of individual and group social behavior.
Ability to perform basic safety and security skills.
Knowledge of DHS rules/Correctional Reporting Statues.
Knowledge of data privacy practices.
Knowledge and understanding of ethnic diversities.
Knowledge of victims’ rights.
Knowledge of evidence‑based practices in probation including assessment, case planning, and cognitive interventions.
Knowledge of effective client treatment and change. Skills and ability to demonstrate appropriate empathy, fairness, and a non‑confrontational approach with the ability to set and maintain client limits.
Ability to work independently and as a team member within department policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
Investigative and critical thinking skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with clients, coworkers, law enforcement…