Juvenile Probation Officer

Probation Officer

This position is responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in a county probation system. A Probation Officer supervises juveniles on probation, individuals released from placement facilities or juveniles who are otherwise subject to the authority of the Court. This position monitors activities, counsels and facilitates the social adjustment of these individuals by referring them to social, governmental or community agencies for a variety of social problems.

When needed, a Probation Officer will investigate and take appropriate action concerning violations of conditions of probation including new crimes and unacceptable behavior and provides representation of the Department at Court Hearings concerning alleged violations.

Probation Officers are peace officers under state law and are trained in the use of firearms and are prepared to apprehend and arrest violators. Although law and well-defined procedures regulate the required work, this position involves decision making directly affecting the public safety and personal liberties of individuals.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the knowledge and ability to apply casework principles and practices and interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, legal codes, court procedures and executive orders affecting juvenile probation practices. Also, some knowledge is needed of criminology, penology and the structure and functions of the components of the judicial system; human behavior and the ability to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional behavior/ personality;

community resources and the ability to determine appropriate resources for assessment and treatment of physical, mental, and social disorders; operation of a personal computer, basic software programs and other office equipment; drugs, addiction, and drug testing methods. Ability is required to positively and effectively influence offenders; to maintain cooperative and positive work relationships both internally with co-workers and externally with other agencies;

to function independently and manage one's time effectively; to gather and analyze facts and consider all outcomes before decisions or recommendations are made; to speak and understand the English language; to orally and in writing present ideas, thoughts, facts, logically and clearly in a concise manner utilizing appropriate language skills and grammar; to listen and combine pieces of information to form general conclusions or identify problems;

to maintain confidentiality in regard to offender information and records. The willingness and ability to travel as needed to perform all job-related functions. The willingness and ability to be trained in the use of firearms and to be certified to carry a firearm.

An employee in this classification is responsible for performing assignments that are technical in nature and are carried out in accordance with probation and parole practices, procedures and precedents and any applicable legal standards or regulations. Specific job duties include the following:

• Inform juvenile offenders of conditions of probation such as office visits, costs, fines, and restitution payments, educational, treatment and employment stipulations.
• Counsel offenders and provide supportive services to help offenders with their personal, social, and economic adjustment to the community. Discuss with offenders how issues such as anger and addiction play roles in delinquent behavior.
• Arrange for social assistance and other post release services such as employment, housing, education, and counseling.
• Arrange for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs and/or court orders and maintain working relationships with those agencies.
• Develop case plans for assigned juvenile offenders establishing goals and objectives based on risk and needs.
• Evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and objectives and maintaining the terms specified in their conditions of probation, including attendance at FARM, SAP, CASSP, IEP, and other meetings as necessary.
• Investigate alleged probation violations using interviews, surveillance, and search and seizure.
• Gather information about offender's backgrounds by talking to offenders, families and friends and other people with relevant information.
• Prepare and maintain a case folder for each assigned juvenile offender and record and file documents according to established procedures.
• Maintain a chronological record in the JCMS system of all direct contact with juvenile offenders as well as collateral contacts with parents, school officials, service providers, etc.
• Write reports describing offender's progress. Make recommendations for remedial action or court action when terms of probation are not complied with.
• Conduct Social History investigations and prepare a written factual report with recommendations for the Court's use in dispositional proceedings and prepare written…