Juvenile Probation Officer - Intake

About the Department

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. The department continuously innovates by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

About the Division

The Intake and Court Services Division serves as the primary point of contact for young people and their families referred to the department. The division provides families with information and support while offering intervention services that address both immediate concerns and long-term needs. Staff members conduct interviews, assessments, coordinate services, and connect families with community resources. The division is also responsible for producing detailed court reports that summarize each young person’s history, needs, risks, and recommended services to assist juvenile court judges in making informed decisions.

About the Role

The Intake Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) is a critical member of a 24-hour Intake Screening Unit, responsible for reviewing referrals from law enforcement involving youth ages 10 to 17 alleged to have committed Class B misdemeanors or higher. This role ensures each case is handled in accordance with statutory guidelines while balancing public safety and the individual needs of the youth and their families. The Intake JPO facilitates key intake processes, including admission and release decisions and detention hearing procedures. This position is designated as essential and requires in-person attendance to support continuous, 24-hour operations.

Responsibilities

• Screens, accepts, and releases juveniles placed in detention by law enforcement, probation officers, judges, or other authorized entities.
• Completes all aspects of case file management, including interviews (office and telephone), administering assessment tools, submitting court reports, initiating referrals to community-based resources, documentation, and data entry of services and activities.
• Provides supervision and case file management for Intake-level assigned cases.
• Provides information on community-based organizations for walk-ins and telephone inquiries from the public.
• Transports juveniles to their homes, shelters, bus stations, or airports as required.
• Conducts interviews, gathers social history information, and completes validated risk and needs assessments to inform recommendations on detention or release.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and either:
  • One year of graduate study (18 completed post-graduate hours) in Criminology, Corrections, Counseling, Law, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related field, or
  • At least 1,500 hours of paid or non-paid experience working in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons, earned within 12 months (not required to be consecutive).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have available transportation insured to comply with statutory liability limits.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must complete the HCJPD Standard Basic Spelling & Grammar assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Must obtain and maintain active certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer in accordance with Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) requirements.
• Must undergo a criminal background check, drug screening, and provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test upon receiving a conditional job offer.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.

Skills

• Working knowledge of Intake Services policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile Detention Hearing Court and detention alternative programs and services.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile District Court policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of interdepartmental unit policies, services, programs, and community resources.
• Working knowledge of Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other computer systems required for the job.
• Ability to use crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies to ensure the safety of youth and staff.

Additional Information

• This is a grant-funded, full-time position requiring 40 hours per week, with a schedule of 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM and two consecutive weekdays off.
• Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion of substance use during employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments.

Pay

$58,573.00 annually

Schedule

• Full-time: 40 hours per week
• Shift: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
• Two consecutive weekdays off