Youth Development Officer - Part-time; Weekends

About Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD)

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) provides supervision and services to youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. HCJPD is the largest juvenile probation department in Texas with approximately 1,100 employees and over 3,500 youth referred to the department annually. HCJPD programs and services operate under the direction of the Harris County Juvenile Board.

The Administration building is located in Downtown Houston, Texas, with several field offices throughout the County and three secure residential facilities.

Your Impact

Working for HCJPD gives you the opportunity to serve your community and be a positive role model for young people. The pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can make a positive impact.

Professional Growth

We are committed to growing the capabilities of our staff. We are building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your capabilities.

As a Youth Development Officer (YDO), you provide direct supervision, safety, and security to youth in a 24‑hour residential facility. You supervise youth activities, including structured programs designed to reduce recidivism, enhance self‑esteem, social skills, academic and job performance, and improve mental and physical well‑being. You redirect the thinking and behavior patterns of youth through building healthy relationships and mentoring to remove barriers for successful transitions to home and community.

You promote a safe environment conducive to healing while also intervening and deescalating crisis situations.

• Responsible for the care, safety, security, reporting, observation, supervision, and guidance of youth in a secured residential facility while adhering to all departmental policies & procedures, Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards, federal, state, and local statutes at all times.
• Provide safe redirection of negative and aggressive behavior, including verbal and physical de‑escalation.
• Assist and instruct youth with daily living skills, including personal hygiene and maintenance of living areas in dorms, rooms, classrooms, recreation areas, and hallways.
• Complete reports, daily logs at random intervals when documenting youth behavior and progress.
• Monitor youth behavior and document behaviors and interventions in the department’s electronic monitoring system.
• Communicate noteworthy information to unit and shift supervisors, treatment plan members, and administration.
• Escort youth within the facility and externally as directed to accompany youth during hospital visits, funerals, off‑campus educational activities, and appointments at various social service agencies.
• Operate or provide supervision in departmental vehicles.

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited institution.

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, word processing, and the Internet.
• High tolerance for working in an emotionally demanding, stressful environment.
• Ability to work weekends as part of shift work.
• Ability to send and receive transmissions with two‑way radio.

• Present evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. Positive test requires additional documentation.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing, and testing if there is reasonable suspicion of substance use while on duty.
• Undergo criminal background check, drug screening, and psychological examination upon receiving a conditional job offer.
• Potential assignment to other duties or facilities during a public emergency declared by the county.
• Provide certified copies of transcripts of educational credentials and/or college credits during the hiring process.
• Must be 21 years old.
• Work with challenging youth where crisis intervention and de‑escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure safety of both youth and staff.

• BA/BS degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Behavioral Sciences.
• Residential experience working with children.
• Mental…