Probation Program Assistant

About the role

This position supports the probation program in a youth probation department. It involves performing initial assessments, community service coordination, restitution monitoring, and youth education work.

Responsibilities

• Performs initial assessments of youth offenders after normal working hours and determines the seriousness of the situation.
• Develops new community service work sites and schedules community service projects for those on probation.
• Supervises youth completing community service commitments, maintaining records of hours worked, and providing activity reports.
• Facilitates or presents drug/alcohol programs and recruits, screens, and trains members of a community task force.
• Monitors and records restitution owed and paid, and contacts probationers about payment problems.
• Maintains records and databases for program and financial aspects.
• Provides courtroom testimony and prepares legal documents as assigned.

Requirements

The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check, including the Child Protection Services registry.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved high or vocational school.
• Experience working with youth preferred.
• Possession of a valid Montana driver's license and proof of insurability if using a personal vehicle on State business.

Skills

• Knowledge of youth probation work and related court procedures.
• Knowledge of youth behavior and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of the operation of a personal computer with a word processing application.
• Knowledge of the provisions of the Montana Youth Court Act.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply department probation policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain records systems and databases.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally or in writing.
• Ability to write clear and concise activity reports.
• Ability to deal with upset, angry, and emotionally charged people.
• Ability to prepare legal documents as assigned.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retail plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness