Probation Officer

General Summary

Under direction, performs probation services involving juvenile delinquents, investigates the background of delinquent youth to assist the court in determining the most appropriate disposition for each case, and assists assigned probationers in addressing the issues that brought them to the attention of the court. Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provides case management services to juveniles on probation to prevent future delinquency.
• Interviews parents, children, complainants, police, neighbors, teachers, clergy and other parties concerned to determine economic, home, social and other background conditions affecting the child involved.
• Compiles social history, uses assessment tools, and prepares appropriate treatment plans based on information gathered.
• Maintains accurate case histories, records, reports and other documentation.
• Makes disposition and treatment recommendations to the court.
• Initiates court proceedings for a change in treatment plan and/or placement of child when original plan has been unsuccessful.
• Prepares court reports.
• Attends court hearings on probationer status and progress.
• Refers probationers/families to appropriate community service treatment resources for substance abuse, mental health, or other related issues or problems.
• Provides guidance to probationers/families and suggests ways to work toward accomplishing their goals.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or Sociology, or a related field. A minimum of two years of related work experience, such as juvenile probation, case management, or mental health counseling.

Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field.

Required Licenses or Certifications:
A valid Michigan Driver's License and an insured, operable automobile for authorized travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Assessment tools to determine areas of need or concern
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Local community service agencies and resources
• Social service practices
• Symptoms and behaviors associated with alcohol and substance abuse, mental health problems or issues, anti-social behaviors, and physical/family abuse
• Substance abuse and mental health treatment resources
• Methods of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Methods for accurately documenting case notes and maintaining court records
• Report writing
• Methods for adequate time management
• Motivational interviewing techniques

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• De-escalation methods
• Effective listening and directed communications and motivational interviewing
• Operating personal computer with current office related software
• Report writing and documentation

Ability to:

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Assess potential personal danger and threats to own safety
• Diffuse and de-escalate crisis situations
• Communicate and interact with the public in a professional manner
• Evaluate and maintain case progress notes, maintain appropriate records and documentation
• Testify under oath in court as necessary
• Be compassionate and empathize with the client's situation
• Build and maintain a rapport with probationer, family, law enforcement, employment, educational, community service and other providers or persons involved
• Assess and identify substance abuse, mental illness, patterns of self-destructive behaviors and other problematic conditions
• Analyze and summarize the facts and other information
• Write detailed reports and communications
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information
• Work independently

Pay and Schedule

Salary: $66,559.45 - $86,089.08

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), 8:00am – 4:30pm

Benefits

Macomb County offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two-person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.