Juvenile Court Officer

About the role

The Juvenile Court Officer (JCO) investigates and prepares written documentation and recommendations for the Court, establishes, implements, and monitors treatment programs, and supervises and counsels assigned minors and their families. The JCO serves as a liaison between various professionals and agencies providing treatment services.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations on delinquent, neglect, adoption, truancy or emancipation cases initiated on apprehension and/or referral to the Court in order to develop a social history, make observations on the family situation, and develop a case plan and recommendations for each case using approved evaluation tools.
• Analyzes case histories, observations, other available information and does a factual investigation of actual charges to determine the problem behavior regarding the child and the parents, and makes recommendations on a treatment program designed to ameliorate or eliminate the problem.
• Is immediately responsible for the minor's custody or physical placement as soon as a minor enters the Court system. Recommends appropriate changes of placement to the Judge or referee.
• Sets up and monitors all visitations.
• Provides supervision and counseling of minors and parents regarding family problems and conflicts by conducting weekly face-to-face contacts.
• Prepares comprehensive investigation and hearing reports. Testifies regarding the facts of the charge(s) and makes recommendations to the Judge or referee at disposition.
• Attends all hearings of assigned minors and parents, both contested and non-contested Preliminary Hearings, Pre-Trial Hearings, Dispositional Hearings, Show-Cause Hearings, and Case Reviews.
• Makes arrangements for clothing, medical, mental health, and dental care of clients including transportation.
• Maintains regular contacts with other agencies such as schools, police, public and private social agencies who may have involvement, and visits delinquent minors at the Ingham County Youth Center, Ingham County Jail, or other correctional and youth detention centers as necessary.
• Maintains a current log of all contacts and keeps case files up-to-date. Prepares a variety of petitions regarding assigned cases. Also serves legal papers such as court orders and summons.
• Transportation duties include physically transporting clients and/or their families to court facilities, appointments, hearings, community service assignments, institutions or other such places deemed necessary.
• Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Supervision and evaluation of student interns performing field work responsibilities at the Court. Will complete all necessary evaluations and paperwork to assess progress.
• Utilizes a thorough knowledge of available resources gained through experience, assists Juvenile Court officers and other court staff in the development and implementation of court Programs.

Requirements

• Must have a minimum of 24 months previous and related work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth.
• Must have good analytical and public relations skills.
• Manage and learn computer based Court management systems.
• Requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.
• Strong time management and the ability to multitask over multiple cases and responsibilities.
• Required to own an insured, legal vehicle.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or graduation from 4-year college or university required. Training in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Family Sciences or related fields of study highly preferred. Must submit college transcripts.
• Transcripts or diploma showing degree awarded: Yes
• Submit transcripts or diploma showing degree awarded: Yes
• Work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth: Yes
• Describe work experience: Must have a minimum of 24 months previous and related work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth. Experience in dealing with the Michigan Juvenile code helpful.
• List references: [Name, Email Address, Phone Number]
• Submit cover letter and resume: No