Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer I

About the role

This position involves the direction, supervision, and guidance of juveniles on probation and/or in placement outside the home. Work includes working with juveniles, their families, school staff, and representatives from social service and law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates case, police, and arrest reports to make initial determination of the validity of criminal charges and makes appropriate referrals to the county attorney’s office;
• Counsels and sets goals with assigned youth to develop life skills and comply with probation conditions or treatment programs;
• Maintains contact with parents, including home visits, to coordinate implementation of case plans;
• Serves as a member of an internal or community committee to assist in the development of policy or provide recommendations to the chief probation officer on the development of new or enhanced programs;
• Provides crisis intervention services, including making referrals and facilitating placement while families work out problems;
• May function in a specialized area such as a youth drug court or restitution program.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, Human Services or Criminal Justice is required;
• One-year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, youth services, or social services is required;
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Montana driver's license; proof of insurance if using a personal vehicle on State business.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check, including the Child Protection Services registry. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles of youth probation work and related court procedures;
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and behavior and family dynamics;
• Ability to persuade assigned youth and their families to work for positive behavioral changes;
• Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions, recommendations, and justifications;
• Ability to accurately document contacts/observations;
• Ability to read, understand, and effectively apply the provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act and Interstate Compact to juveniles;
• Ability to organize time and effectively manage workload;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the youth and their families, school personnel, chief probation officer and probation staff, judges, private and public human service agencies, professional groups, and the public;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information;
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team;
• Ability to be perceptive, versatile, flexible yet firm and matter of fact when necessary;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Ability to deal with upset, angry, and emotionally charged people and resolving conflicts;
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing applications.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retail plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF