Juvenile Court Officer Job Lansing area,Michigan USA,Social Work

A Juvenile Court Officer’s responsibilities are:
1) to investigate and prepare written documentation and recommendations for the Court;
2) establish, implement and monitor treatment programs; and
3) supervise and counsel assigned minors and their families. The Juvenile Court Officer serves as a liaison between various professionals and agencies providing treatment services.

Roles and Responsibilities

Conducts investigations on delinquent, neglect, adoption, truancy or emancipation cases initiated on apprehension and/or referral to the Court in order to develop a social history, make observations on the family situation, and develop a case plan and recommendations for each case using approved evaluation tools.

Analyzes case histories, observations, other available information and also does a factual investigation of actual charges to determine the problem behavior regarding the child and the parents, and makes recommendations on a treatment program designed to ameliorate or eliminate the problem.

Is immediately responsible for the minor's custody or physical placement as soon as a minor enters the Court system. Recommends appropriate changes of placement to the Judge or referee. Sets up and monitors all visitations.

Provides supervision and counseling of minors and parents regarding family problems and conflicts by conducting weekly face‑to‑face contacts. These contacts require JCOs to use a structured approach and apply effective intervention practices that are based on cognitive behavioral treatment, social skills training, mindfulness, parenting skills and goal setting. Training and accuracy to adhere to these principles are required and fidelity is monitored by a Juvenile Risk Assessment team member.

Prepare comprehensive investigation and hearing reports. Testifies regarding the facts of the charge(s) and makes recommendations to the Judge or referee ends all hearings of assigned minors and parents, both contested and non‑contested Preliminary Hearings, Pre‑Trial Hearings, Dispositional Hearings, Show‑Cause Hearings, and Case Reviews. (of minors on their caseload.)

Monitors regular visitations of minors and parents and assesses their academic and Court ordered treatment program's progress. Coordinates program efforts with staff to assure physical and emotional needs are met.

Arranges for clothing, medical mental health, and dental care of clients including transportation.

Maintains regular contacts with other agencies such as schools, police, public and private social agencies who may have involvement, and visits delinquent minors at the Ingham County Youth Center, Ingham County Jail, or other correctional and youth detention centers as necessary.

Maintains a current log of all contacts and keeps case files up-to-date. Prepares a variety of petitions regarding assigned cases. Also serves legal papers such as court orders and summons.

Transportation duties include physically transporting clients and/or their families to court facilities, appointments, hearings, community service assignments, institutions or other such places deemed necessary.

Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and in‑service training sessions.

Supervision and evaluation of student interns performing field work responsibilities at the Court. Will complete all necessary evaluations and paperwork to assess progress.

Uses independent judgment to screen clients for appropriate treatment programs such as Intensive Probation Services, Michigan State University Mentor Program, Intensive Neglect Services, Horizon Program, Specialty Courts, and various community services agencies.

Monitors progress towards Court ordered goals and determines consequences for violating program guidelines or requirements. Consequences can include but are not limited to; community service, tether, request for detention for delinquent youth, or petition for Emergency Removal for neglect parents.

Uses independent judgment in unusual and crisis situations as it relates to neglect and delinquent children and families. Includes screening clients for mental health intervention and preliminary safety planning. May be required to physically restrain aggressive…