Juvenile Probation Officer - Intake

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General Description

This position functions at an experienced level, working with minimal supervision and periodic review of completed work. Work is evaluated based on professionalism, accuracy of intake assessments, soundness of recommendations, thoroughness of investigations, and effectiveness in engaging juveniles and families. Deviations from policy or complex issues are referred to the Detention Superintendent or Deputy Director of Detention

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Makes court appearances for juveniles in detention, as needed.
• File detention orders for all juveniles in detention in the juvenile’s folder in the Intake Office.
• Files detention orders with the District Clerk’s Office for juveniles in detention who are scheduled to appear in court, as needed.
• Counsel juveniles and parents or guardians to resolve problems and improve motivation, attitudes, and behaviors. Recommends changes and measures that juveniles can take to improve their situation.
• Provides staff breaks as required.
• Assists staff with crisis situations.
• Performs inspections of all units in the detention program to ensure they are free of graffiti, and conducts routine inspections of the facility and equipment, informing maintenance of necessary repairs.
• Discusses the juvenile’s status with the Assistant District Attorney, as needed.
• Escorts or transports juveniles to state institutions, medical appointments, placements, etc., as needed.
• Covers open shifts as required
• Ensures proper documentation for shift coverage is submitted to the Financial Manager.
• Assists in monitoring the TLC Residential Program to ensure program standards are met as they relate to coexistence with the detention program, and assists the program by providing staff breaks.
• Attendance at all staff meetings is required.
• Effectively leads and monitors juveniles in therapeutic, physical, athletic, cleaning, and recreational activities.
• Makes daily intake and release dispositions for juveniles taken into custody by law enforcement officers.
• Prepares intake paperwork documentation of the juvenile’s status, including investigation and development of complete background data, on a daily basis.
• Completes the intake shift logbook every shift.
• Completes common applications/social histories, as required for court review, on an as-needed basis.
• Assists in arranging transportation for juveniles through the Interstate Compact.
• Inventories the juvenile’s personal property and ensures it is accounted for; assists in maintaining the organization of the supply/issue room.
• Performs PACT assessments and reassessments as required by department standards.
• Completes the case plan and reviews it as required by department standards.
• As required, addresses public gatherings, service clubs, fraternal organizations, etc., regarding the juvenile probation program monthly.
• Conducts one fire drill each month to ensure staff are aware of proper evacuation protocol.
• Performs miscellaneous related duties as required and demonstrates the ability to respond to change productively
• Responsible for the following roles: Twenty-five (25) Juvenile Detention Officers, six (6) Relief Juvenile Detention Officers, four (4) Control Room Operators, and the Transportation Officer.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Must (1) have acquired a Bachelor's Degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System; (2) have either: (a) one year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, sociology, or other field of instruction approved by the Commission; or (b) one year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community or group work in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons and that is determined by the commission to provide the kind of experience needed to meet this requirement; and (3) have satisfactorily completed the course of pre-service training have passed and possess the level of certification as the commission may prescribe.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should have a sense of responsibility, initiative, and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, communicate clearly in English (written and verbal), work independently, and organize and manage multiple priorities
• Have respect for clients and colleagues and a desire to help people.
• Typing skills (minimum 35 wpm) and basic computer knowledge.
• Must have transportation and a valid Texas Operator's License.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The following Physical Demands would be required in the everyday duties of this job: Standing (25%), Walking (25%), and Sitting (50%).  Acute hearing is needed to respond to the youth and the public.  Ability to have sight in order to maintain the security of the facility and the juveniles.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level:  1

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Successfully complete the required in-hire training that is approved by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to become certified as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer.  Must receive eighty (80) hours of training every two years to maintain certification (hold certification throughout employment).

Department: Juvenile Justice

Salary: $56,241.00

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.