What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probation Aide - Juvenile Probation position at Lehigh County Public Defender?
General Definition
- This is probation work at the entry level providing assistance to probation officers. This employee offers assistance in providing guidance, support and oversight of juveniles under probation supervision and other related probation duties. Based on the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, this employee is required to provide equal attention to victims, youth and the community. This employee may be responsible for gathering information from family members, other social agencies, police, and schools. Supervision and intervention will be guided by the risk level and strengths identified in the risk and needs assessment used within the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation Department.
- This employee will assist probation officers with a goal of appropriately matching interventions to risk level, to develop case plans with client and family engagement, and will develop activities and goals to address identified criminogenic needs. By doing so, the intended objectives are to assist in making the youth more competent, assist in reducing the risk to reoffend, and foster an atmosphere for long term behavior change.
- There may be an element of physical danger involved when dealing with probationers, particularly those who violate the terms and conditions of their probation. This employee will adhere to all standards imposed by the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission. This employee will adhere to all policies imposed by the County of Lehigh, the Juvenile Probation Department and the Judiciary.
- Community contacts – This employee may be required to visit a juvenile at their home, school, place of employment, etc.;
- Record keeping – This employee may be required to maintain a chronological account of their contacts with the client and other parties involved in the case;
- Caseload management – This employee is responsible for arranging and conducting their daily duties in an orderly and efficient manner;
- Juvenile court – This employee may be required to present testimony in juvenile court hearings concerning information obtained from their observations and interactions; They may also be required to attend for the purpose of completing court orders;
- QA Data collection – This employee may be required to collect and evaluate any data that is requested;
- Detention of juvenile offenders – This employee may be required to assist probation officers in apprehending and detaining a client;
- Assist with electronic monitoring, which could include the installation and removal of equipment from the home of the youth or any other location;
- Assist in the transportation of youth as needed;
- Assist with the collection of DNA and submit to the State Police for required juveniles;
- Training – This employee will be required to attend and participate in any training deemed appropriate by the juvenile probation department. This employee must have the ability to participate and successfully complete Defensive Tactics certification and yearly recertification or Self Defense Training;
- Perform any duties as requested by their Supervisor and/or Chief Probation Officer and/or Deputy Chief Probation Officer.
- Understanding of the principles, methods, and practices of investigations, supervision, and reporting in probation work;
- Understanding of adolescent development;
- Understanding of Evidence Based Practices as it relates to juvenile delinquency;
- Understanding of Balanced and Restorative Justice principles;
- Understanding of the Juvenile Act, Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure as well as judicial practices and procedures, legal and regulatory requirements, and policies of the Court of Common Pleas;
- Understanding of community, social, and economic factors, which may contribute to juvenile delinquency;
- Understanding of casework principles and practices;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those involved in the juvenile justice process;
- Understanding of residential and community-based resources available to assist in supervision;
- Basic understanding of theories of juvenile delinquency, adolescent development and family dynamics;
- Ability to effectively manage caseload assignments and organize and carry out daily work schedule.
- Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade;
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System, Criminal Justice System and Human Services system.
- As part of the pre-hiring requirements, a urinalysis, Fit for Duty physical and a psychological examination will be required.
- Employment will be contingent upon a PennDOT check, child abuse check, PA criminal record check and FBI Fingerprint check;
- Employees are required to possess a valid motor vehicle license free from revocation or suspension;
- Travel may be required as part of the job duties.
- Effectuate an arrest;
- Authorize detention.