Probation Program Assistant

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. Work includes performing initial assessments of youth offenders after normal working hours and determines the seriousness of the situation; providing assistance to youth probation officers by following through on probationers who are assigned to community service projects by obtaining sponsors, assigning probationers to projects, and tracking compliance;

monitoring and recording the dispositions assigned to youth; monitoring, collecting, and recording restitution owed and paid; providing educational assistance as a mentor or tutor; facilitates or presents drug/alcohol programs, and/or recruits, screens, trains, and works with members of a community task force. Work involves considerable contact with probationers either in person, over the phone, or by mail. Guidelines include district court rules, placement committee guidelines, probation department policies and procedures, school policies and procedures, teacher guides and instructions of certified teachers or administrators, and provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act.

Work is evaluated, through discussions and review of reports, for accuracy and completeness of work, adherence to policies and procedures, and effectiveness of program goals.

Knowledge of the general principles of youth probation work and related court procedures. Knowledge of youth behavior and family dynamics. Some knowledge of the operation of a personal computer with a word processing application. Some knowledge of the provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act dealing with probation programs such as community service and restitution. Ability to read, understand, and apply department probation policies and procedures and provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act pertaining to the job.

Ability to establish and maintain records systems and databases used to track compliance with probation requirements, restitution payments, and other data related to the work. Ability to operate a personal computer with a word processing application. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the youth and their families, school personnel, supervisor, chief probation officer and probation staff, 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. Ability to prepare legal documents such as petitions, orders, and summons if required by the position.

The majority of work is performed primarily outside the office environment and involves exposure to normal, everyday risks which require normal safety precautions typical of offices. Employees may be exposed to violent or non-compliant youth or family members. Some positions may involve working with youth in the field in a variety of weather conditions. This position requires activities such as sitting for long periods, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, lifting, moving and carrying light to medium objects, operating office equipment.

Some positions working the field with youth may need to operate gas or electric powered equipment.

Graduation from an approved high or vocational school. Approved college-level course work in the behavioral sciences and experience working with youth preferred. Possession of a valid Montana driver's license; and proof of insurability if using a personal vehicle on State business.

Salary: $ Hourly

Benefits Package Eligibility:
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status:
Regular

Schedule:

Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel:
Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary

Location:

Great Falls

Agency:
Judicial Branch

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date:
Jun 29, 2026, 9:04:00 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone):
Ongoing

Required Application Materials:
Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name:
Mandi Edlin

Contact Email: mandi.edlin

Contact Phone: