Director of Juvenile Probation and Detention

Summary: Under general direction, directs and manages all operations of the Juvenile Probation & Detention Department for Jefferson County.  

Essential Job Functions: Directs all operations of the Juvenile Probation and Detention Department, including care and security of juvenile detainees, supervision of juvenile probationers, department administration, and staff training and development; develops and implements policies and procedures to advance the department’s mission, goals, and objectives; hires, evaluates, promotes, disciplines, and terminates employees following established procedures and policy; oversees department safety issues. Guides and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; determines and recommends levels of staff and equipment needed to effectively provide services to the County; prepares and monitors department’s annual budget; oversees the resolution of departmental problems; oversees the development and maintenance of service agreements with social service agencies including Child Protective Services, Mental Health Services, and area schools. Directs and oversees the operations of a twenty-four hour juvenile detention facility, including security of juveniles, staff and facility; maintenance of discipline and order; and provision of meals, clothing, supplies, education, physical exercise; directs and oversees the operations of juvenile probation program, including assessment of probationers needs, development of probation plans, contacts with probationers, families, schools, and employers; and recommendations to juvenile courts. Directs and oversees the placement of juveniles who have been removed from their homes by the court in alternative residential facilities or foster homes; serves as official liaison with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department; oversees the maintenance and performance of contracts with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to provide supervision for parolees. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Other Job Functions: Performs other job duties as directed.

NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Education & Experience: Seven years experience in juvenile probation and detention, including three years of supervisory experience. Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Texas certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer.

Equipment Used: Copy machine, telephone, vehicle, personal computer/mainframe computer terminal, other general office equipment, fax machine.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills; typing skills; computer skills; excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact and cooperate with co-workers, deal effectively with probationers and their families, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, court personnel, treatment centers and other resource agencies, and the general public; effective counseling skills; leadership ability; and problem solving skills. Knowledge of: the principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, personnel management, program management, grant administration, contract administration, and public relations; the Texas Family Code; the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards for Probation Services; the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards for Detention Centers; and the Texas juvenile justice system.

Work Situations/Demands/Effort: Work requires organizing; prioritizing, accuracy and attention to detail; working alone and as part of a group; flexibility in order to perform and coordinate a variety of duties; performing routine, repetitive duties; dealing with frequent deadlines; working in a stressful environment; occasional irregular hours; driving a vehicle; and occasional out-of-town travel to attend educational seminars and training sessions. 

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled private office environment. Must be available to work 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with some irregular hours and overtime; is subject to being on call 24-hours a day.

Physical Requirements: Office duties are primarily sedentary but require some light work, including frequent walking to deliver/retrieve files and paperwork, etc.