Chief Intake Officer - Juvenile Court

Department:                               Tenth Division Circuit Court

Position Control Number:           0437-003

FLSA Status:                              Personal Staff not subject to FLSA

Safety Sensitive Designation:    This position is designated as safety-sensitive..

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:       Yes

Opening Date:                            August 15, 2026                            

Closing Date:                             September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY: Oversees the day-to-day operations of the intake and FINS departments and the assessment of arrested youth to ensure whether youth can be released to parent/guardian or detained in Juvenile Detention Facility in compliance with state law and, for released youth, ensures whether the case will be handled by out of court services, juvenile diversion, or by further action of juvenile division court.

Attention: certain duties are particular to case type and court and may not be performed by all employees. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises, coordinates, and oversees the Juvenile Circuit Court Intake and FINS departments.
• Implements and manages protocols for all juvenile-related issues to ensure intake is available to law enforcement twenty-four hours a day either by phone or in person.
• Schedules and participates in on-call duties of intake and FINS officers.
• Monitors, advises, or conducts initial intake interviews with juvenile and parent/guardian to ensure accurate services are given on an individual basis.
• Observes and administer psychological and drug assessments to juveniles manually and via computer programs (MAYSI, CRAFFT, and OYAS).
• Reports any and all allegations or suspected incidents of child physical or sexual abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline.
• Oversees the assessment of youth detained because of arrest or at-risk behavior in accordance with statutory law and available information and whether the juvenile should be released on a citation or detained in the juvenile detention facility.
• Coordinates the intake and FINS officers' activities with the juvenile courts, law enforcement, school districts, prosecuting attorneys, community service support agencies, parents/guardians, and other affected parties.
• Enters all new juvenile delinquency cases and supporting information and assessments into the court-based document computer system, Context.
• Ensures established protocols and eligibility of the out-of-court Diversion Program are followed for qualifying juveniles; Supervises and monitors the compliance of juveniles enrolled in the program.
• Monitors referrals and recommendations to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in regard to the disposition of all juvenile intake cases.
• Ensures legal documentation for all intake and FINS cases for court hearings are prepared in a timely manner as prescribed by Arkansas law.
• Prepares monthly and yearly statistical data reports reflecting intake activity for the courts, including Diversion Program data and risk assessment data.
• Ensures coordination between intake/FINS department, probation officers, and court personnel in providing all necessary services to juveniles and their families.
• Serves as a liaison between intake and FINS department and Juvenile Circuit Court Judges.
• Maintains a current list of juveniles under the court’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to probation rules, arrest warrants, and pick-up orders.
• Ensures information regarding juvenile court services is provided to families of children at risk and to victims of crimes involving juveniles.
• Maintains an effective relationship with law enforcement personnel, child abuse investigators with the State Police and DHS, school administrators, health care providers, mental health care providers, and other providers that interact with juveniles.
• Ensures participation on the Multi-Disciplinary Team through the Child Protection Center in regard to child abuse cases being investigated by state and local agencies.
• Monitors intake and FINS officers remain compliant with attorney licensing, applicable training, and CLE hours; remain current in knowledge of Arkansas law updates and changes regarding juvenile and criminal law.
• Oversees training concerning juvenile court procedures to law enforcement personnel.
• Collaborates with Interstate Compact when a juvenile has a warrant, is a runaway, or is in county jurisdiction to return the juvenile to their home state.
• Provides court security as a backup to Bailiff if requested.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED:     One Juvenile Intake Officer

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment.  The position is required to remain on call for 24-hour shifts on a rotating basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• • Good knowledge of juvenile standards and policies regulating detention facilities.
  • Considerable knowledge of the juvenile justice system, and juvenile code guidelines regarding detaining juveniles.
  • Considerable knowledge of the SAVRY, OYAS, MAYSI-2, CRAFFT, and other relevant evaluation tools.
  • Good knowledge of communication and guidance techniques for dealing with youth.
  • Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
  • Ability to comprehend and interpret all applicable departmental rules and regulations.
  • Ability to react effectively in an emergency situation.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles, law enforcement officials, and the public.
  • Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
  • Skill in the operation of a computer.
  • Skill in conducting interviews with juveniles for information gathering purposes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• • Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate information in person and by telephone.
  • Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation and written documentation.
  • Visual acuity is needed for use of a computer screen.
  • Ability to restrain juveniles when needed.
  • Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
  • Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field; considerable work experience in juvenile justice, legal, law enforcement, or a related position; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.