Juvenile Probation Officer-Intake

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OVERALL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

Employee functions on a journeyman level with only minimal supervision, with spot checks of completed assignments. Work is reviewed for adequacy and professionalism, ability to make sound recommendations, and thorough investigations, quality or supervisory ability and success in counseling juveniles. Deviations in policy or unusual problems are referred to Detention Superintendent, or Deputy Director -Detention.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Makes court appearances pertaining to juveniles in Detention, as needed. Files detention orders of all juveniles who are in detention that have been detained in the juvenile’s folder in Intake Office. Files detention orders with the District Clerk’s office on juveniles who are in detention and are scheduled to appear in court, as needed. Counsels juveniles and parents or guardians with the objective of resolving problems and improving motivation, attitudes and behaviors. Suggest and recommend changes and measures that can be taken by juveniles to improve their situation. Provides staff breaks as required. Assists staff with crisis situations. Performs inspections of all units in detention program to insure they are free of graffiti and make routine inspections of facility and equipment and inform maintenance of necessary repairs. Discusses juvenile’s status with the Assistant District Attorney, as needed. Escorts or transport juveniles to state institutions, medical appointments, placements, etc. as needed. Covers open shifts as required, due to sick call-ins, family emergencies, vacation, etc. Assure proper documentation for shift coverage

is submitted to the Financial Manager.

Assists in monitoring the TLC Residential Program to ensure program standards are being met as it relates to the coexistence with the detention program, and assist program by giving staff breaks. Attendance of all staff meetings required. Effectively lead and monitor juveniles in therapeutic, physical, athletic, cleaning, and recreational activities. Makes intake and release dispositions on juveniles taken into custody by law enforcement officers, on a daily basis. Prepares intake paperwork documentation of juvenile’s status, including investigation and development of complete background data, on a daily basis. Completes the intake shift log book every shift. Completes common applications/social histories, as required for court review, on an as needed basis. Assists in making arrangements for juveniles to be transported through Interstate Compact. Inventories juvenile’s personal property and make sure property is accounted for; assist in maintaining organization of the supply/issue room. Performs PACT assessments and re-assessments as required by department standards. Completes case plan and reviews as required by department standards. As required, address public gatherings, service clubs, fraternal organizations, etc., on the juvenile probation program, on a monthly basis. Conducts one fire drill every month to ensure staff is aware of proper evacuation protocol. Performs miscellaneous related duties, as required and have ability to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible for appointment as a Probation Officer I, a person must (1) be of good moral character; (2) have acquired a Bachelor's Degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System; (3) have either: (a) one year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, sociology, or other field of instruction approved by the Commission; or (b) one year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community or group work in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons and that is determined by the commission to provide the kind of experience needed to meet this requirement; and (4) have satisfactorily completed the course of pre-service training or instruction, have passed the tests of examinations, and possess the level of certification as the commission may prescribe.

Certification: Successfully complete the required in-hire training that is approved by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to become certified as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer. Must receive eighty (80) hours of training every two years to maintain certification (hold certification throughout employment).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Should have a sense of responsibility, initiative, and professionalism.

2. Ability to make sound judgments; communicate fluently, both written and oral, in English; work independently; and plan, organize, and coordinate work in situations where numerous diverse demands are involved.

3. Have respect for clients and colleagues, and a desire to help people.

4. Typing skills (minimum 35 wpm) and basic knowledge of computers.

5. Must have transportation and appropriate, current Texas Operator's License.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position is responsible for the following positions: Twenty-five (25) Juvenile Detention Officers, six (6) Relief Juvenile Detention Officers, four (4) Control Room Operators, and the Transportation Officer.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires the incumbent to be working with and transporting delinquent youth with the possibility of being exposed to volatile situations. The threat of having to physically restrain violent youth who could pose harm to themselves or others, exists at all times.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following Physical Demands would exist in the everyday duties of this job: Standing (25%), Walking (25%, and Sitting (50%). Acute hearing needed in order to respond to the youth and public. Ability to have sight in order to maintain security of the facility and juveniles.

CONFIDENTIALITY

This position has access to juvenile's criminal records, social histories, school records, psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, etc.

Department: Juvenile Justice-Intake

Salary: $56,241.00

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.