Parent Partner – Case Worker

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. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

About Health Services

The Health Services division of HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. Services include medical staff who assess and treat youth in detention and post-adjudicated facilities, mental health therapists providing crisis counseling, individual, group, and family therapy to youth in detention and under community supervision, and oversight of four specialty courts addressing underlying factors impacting youth functioning.

About the role

The Parent Partner will be assigned a caseload within the Specialty Court program, focusing on assisting and supporting families in locating and accessing services and benefits within the community. They will also help guardians navigate the court system and develop a family plan outlining goals and expectations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between assigned caseload, court staff, and community agencies.
• Support and encourage families to attend parent education classes and provide materials on mental health, education, and other relevant issues.
• Assist youth and families in accessing mental health, social, educational, and supportive services.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date directory of appropriate services.
• Participate in staff meetings and court proceedings.
• Address crises and coordinate necessary assistance for families.
• Respond promptly to requests from court, probation, and clinicians.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
• Personal experience dealing with and advocating for a child or close relative involved in a mental health system, juvenile justice system, Child Protective Services, or similar agencies.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with appropriate liability auto insurance coverage.
• Basic knowledge of child and adolescent mental illnesses and community resources.
• Knowledge of department, division, and agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with professionals at all levels of the juvenile justice system, including judges, attorneys, psychiatrists, psychologists, program administrators, probation, and detention officers.
• Ability to build rapport with youth, families, and caregivers through professionalism, courtesy, discretion, attentiveness, cultural sensitivity, and supportive communication.
• Basic knowledge of probation case monitoring.
• Proficiency in computer programs required for the job, including Microsoft Office software.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Additional Requirements

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion of substance influence during employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure safety.

Schedule

• Full-time, grant-funded position.
• Monday - Friday, with late nights and weekends as needed and/or scheduled.

Pay

$53,123.20 - $64,168.00 annually, based on 26 pay periods.