Chief Intake Officer - Juvenile Court

Department: Tenth Division Circuit Court – Personal Staff (not subject to FLSA). This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires random drug/alcohol testing.

About the role

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the intake and Families in Need of Services (FINS) departments. Assesses arrested youth to determine whether they can be released to a parent/guardian or detained in the Juvenile Detention Facility in compliance with state law. For released youth, ensures cases are handled through out-of-court services, juvenile diversion, or further court action.

Responsibilities

• 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 24 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 juveniles and parents/guardians to ensure accurate, individualized services.
• Administers psychological and drug assessments to juveniles manually and via computer programs (MAYSI, CRAFFT, and OYAS).
• Reports all allegations or suspected incidents of child physical or sexual abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline.
• Oversees the assessment of detained or at-risk youth in accordance with statutory law to determine release on citation or detention in the juvenile facility.
• Coordinates intake and FINS officers' activities with juvenile courts, law enforcement, school districts, prosecuting attorneys, community service agencies, parents/guardians, and other affected parties.
• Enters all new juvenile delinquency cases and supporting information into the court-based document system, Context.
• Ensures established protocols and eligibility for the out-of-court Diversion Program are followed for qualifying juveniles; supervises and monitors compliance of enrolled juveniles.
• Monitors referrals and recommendations to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding the disposition of all juvenile intake cases.
• Ensures legal documentation for all intake and FINS cases is prepared in a timely manner as prescribed by Arkansas law.
• Prepares monthly and yearly statistical data reports reflecting intake activity, including Diversion Program and risk assessment data.
• Ensures coordination between intake/FINS departments, probation officers, and court personnel to provide necessary services to juveniles and their families.
• Serves as a liaison between intake/FINS departments and Juvenile Circuit Court Judges.
• Maintains a current list of juveniles under the court’s jurisdiction, including probation rules, arrest warrants, and pick-up orders.
• Provides information regarding juvenile court services to families of at-risk children and victims of juvenile crimes.
• Maintains effective relationships with law enforcement, child abuse investigators, school administrators, healthcare providers, mental health providers, and other agencies interacting with juveniles.
• Ensures participation on the Multi-Disciplinary Team through the Child Protection Center for child abuse cases investigated by state and local agencies.
• Monitors intake and FINS officers' compliance with attorney licensing, applicable training, and CLE hours; ensures current knowledge of Arkansas law updates regarding juvenile and criminal law.
• Oversees training on juvenile court procedures for law enforcement personnel.
• Collaborates with the Interstate Compact for juveniles with warrants, runaways, or those in county jurisdiction to return them to their home state.
• Provides court security as a backup to the Bailiff if requested.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• 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.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal background and child maltreatment checks, and CLEST physical and psychological evaluation.
• Must become certified as a Juvenile Court Officer within one year of employment.
• Must be certified to use the SAVRY, OYAS, MAYSI-2, and CRAFFT assessments within one year of employment.
• Must maintain annual certification as a juvenile officer through the Arkansas Juvenile Officer's Association.
• Position may require Court Security Officer and CLEST certifications if serving as a backup Bailiff.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Skills

• 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 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 emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and with juveniles, law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Skill in operating a computer and conducting interviews with juveniles for information gathering.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate information in person and by telephone.
• Digital dexterity for keyboard operation and written documentation.
• Visual acuity 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.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment.
• Required to remain on call for 24-hour shifts on a rotating basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• ACIC/NCIC certification.

Personnel Supervised

One Juvenile Intake Officer.