Juvenile Probation Officer Lead

This JPO Lead position will be assigned to the Deferred Prosecution Unit (DPU). JPOs in DPU are responsible for supervising juvenile offenders who are diverted from the formal court process. Eligible juveniles are typically new to the system. The unit usually supervises youth for six months. The DPU contract specifies rules for youth to follow similar to formal probation. Successful completion of the DPU contract results in the closure of the case without the need to move forward with formal court proceedings. The JPO Lead will carry a smaller caseload to assist the Casework Manager with administrative duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the fifth in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family.  This classification typically functions as a working lead over the activities of other juvenile probation positions in addition to the normal range of duties.  This classification is distinguished from the Juvenile Probation Officer III in that incumbents typically have more responsibilities and duties performed are of the most complex nature and type.  This classification may require work in secure facilities.  This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Trains, assigns, schedules and reviews work of employees. Guides staff in assessment, planning and case supervision by consultation & case reviews. 
• Assists the Casework Manager in auditing cases and supervising the unit. 
• Reviews the results of periodic caseload audits to assure compliance with state laws, regulations, court rules, and division policies and procedures.
• May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of the Casework Manager. 
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies. 
• Conducts investigations on the background of each case, which includes interviewing clients, their families and other significant contacts. 
• Reviews documentation, such as police reports, court transcripts and criminal records and makes assessments regarding the nature of the individual’s environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case. 
• Makes recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and prepares probation plans. 
• Supervises and counsels high risk adjudicated juveniles, which may include certification and/or determinate sentence hearings, or juveniles whose conduct indicates a need for supervision. 
• Supervises and monitors juveniles on probation through regular home, school and office visits and other needed contacts. 
• Determines the needs of the client and family and develops supervision plans for clients. 
• May supervise specialized caseload of clients. 
• Assures client’s understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the court’s order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation. 
• Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action. 
• Coordinates case management with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies. 
• May serve as liaison on higher-level departmental issues.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling as needed. 
• Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals. Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol and drug testing mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs. 
• Develops client placement plans, including completing placement applications, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports, and maintaining contact with clients in placement. 
• Appears and testifies in court, conducts urinalysis, requests and executes warrants, serves summons or other court reports, obtains consents and other required paperwork. 
• Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sentencing, treatment, custody release, suspension of sentence, release into treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
• Prepares statistical reports and summaries related to work performed.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND three (3) years of experience in case management, a social service, community corrections or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons AND six (6) months of increasingly responsible experience in project lead, case management in social services, community corrections, or juvenile agency.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six (6) months of date of hire,

including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and

Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques).

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred:

Project, lead or supervisory experience.

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA and other federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.  

Skill in:

• Training, supervising and reviewing the work of others.
• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.  
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment.  Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions.  Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors.  Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

 This job description is intended to be generic in nature.  It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.