Juvenile Probation Officer

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise a caseload through direct contact with individuals and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence their life.
• Investigate personal backgrounds, prepare reports, appear and testify before the Court.
• Foster an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Utilize Evidence Based and Best Practices in the field of community supervision.
• Obtain all relevant background information on the individual in order to effect positive behavioral change.
• Complete an actuarial risk and need assessment to identify individual criminogenic needs; address goals and objectives through the development of a case supervision plan.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change.
• Address antisocial behavior through the use of appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate supervision utilizing a variety of methods including electronic monitoring, office, home, and community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment; all of which may present inherent risks.
• Maintain accurate case records and review monthly contact summaries for quality assurance.
• Prepare Court reports and documents as needed.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and other agencies that provide services.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually.
• Undergo and maintain successful: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification; maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Promote victim restoration.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours to include: nights, weekends, holidays, and after hours on-call responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, and special projects as required.

Department Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop competencies in Evidence Based and Best Practices: Youth Level of Service (YLS), Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Child Trauma Screen (CTS), Trauma Informed Decision Making Protocol (TIDP), Brief Intervention Tools (BITs), Pennsylvania Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (PaDRAI), Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI), Graduated Responses (GR), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS).
• Owe training and obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under Court supervision; maintain annual recertification.
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use-of-Force Continuum and self-defense; maintain defensive tactics certification.
• Identify alternatives to detention/incarceration, when appropriate.
• Prepare Court orders; provide the Court with appropriate and informed status reports and recommendations.
• Facilitate detention/arrest when necessary.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Problem solving abilities, decision making, and judgement skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements.
• Fundamental belief that individuals can change their behavior.
• Some knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health Diagnoses, and Substance Use Disorder.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasionally to other destinations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation including satisfactory physical examination and drug screen.