JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER

About the role

The general purpose of this position is to identify the problems and needs of juvenile offenders and their families and to develop an individualized plan of action. Juvenile Probation Officers may be assigned specific duties related to focus area, including Intake, Field, Families in Need of Services, Truancy, Child Abuse, Drug Court, or other related areas. This may include investigating the backgrounds of juvenile and providing extensive casework services to juveniles placed on probation and their families.

Responsibilities

• Screen and interview juvenile offenders and their families.
• Gather information from juveniles, parents, schools, or social service agencies.
• Explore all likely sources of information regarding the home and family life.
• Evaluate information to determine validity of complaints or referrals.
• Review reports with District Attorney's Office.
• Make recommendations to the Court and other agencies based on information gathered.
• Make referrals to other agencies, when appropriate.
• May be required to participate in interagency staffings.
• Make recommendations on offenders deemed appropriate for diversion.
• Prepare petitions and present reports and findings to the Court supporting recommendations for disposition.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Maintain case files and computer records in a professional, orderly, concise, and comprehensive manner, including adhering to preparation of case plans and all units of service requirements.
• Transport juveniles to court, medical appointments and other community settings.
• Provide supervision of juveniles.
• If applicable, follow all policies and procedures related to carrying and using firearms.
• Exercise reasonable caution and prudent actions to protect client safety, the safety of the employee and staff and other clients.
• Follow policy and procedure manuals on the safety procedures regarding handling of volatile or physically aggressive clients.
• May make arrests, serve notices, orders, subpoenas and writs.
• Supervise juveniles placed under their supervision and monitor progress towards rehabilitation.
• Develop a case plan that is least restrictive to the offender but also protects the community and victim.
• Adhere to policies and procedures as stated in the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Resources Manual and the Office of Juvenile Justice Services Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Perform any other duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, or criminal justice preferred; and one year of related experience and/or training preferred. A Master's Degree in a related field may be substituted for a portion of the required experience.
• Experience: Five years full-time work experience in the field of Juvenile Justice and/or working with families may be substituted for Bachelor's Degree requirements.
• Licenses: Valid Driver's License as per State law or requirement. Maintain certification in CPR, CPI, and First Aid.
• Other Requirements: May be required to meet continuing requirements for certifications and specialized training.

Skills

• Working knowledge of personal computers, current computer software, and modern office machinery including printers, copiers, fax machines, multiline phones, and calculators.
• Principles, practices and procedures of juvenile probation services.
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Rules, regulations and procedures of the Probation department.
• Probation and Corrections techniques and procedures.
• Report writing.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Computers and related software applications.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc.