Juvenile Probation Officer - Care Court

About the Department Services:

The Health Services division of the HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. The services operated within this division include the medical staff that assess and treat youth in the detention center and post-adjudicated facilities. In addition, the division has mental health therapists who provide crisis counseling, and individual, group and family therapy to youth both in the detention center and under community supervision. Lastly, the Health Services division oversees the four specialty courts that operate within the agency to help address some of the underlying factors that may be impacting a youth's functioning.

About the Position:

The Specialty Court Juvenile Probation Officer provides intensive supervision, family support, collaboration with service providers, and reports information to assist with program level supervision, treatment, and case plan goals. This position responds to inquiries from legal representatives, juvenile justice involved entities, and will be responsible for reporting supervision outcomes to the the unit supervisor/administration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completes all aspects of case file management in a timely manner, including: field/school/detention/placement visits, telephone contacts, administering assessment tools, GPS monitoring, court reports, progress notes, case plans, referrals to community resources, documentation and data entry of services and activities, and all other tasks needed for each case by adhering to policy and standards.

• Staffs cases with service providers, legal representatives, supervisor and any appropriate party to triage and or discuss continuum of care for youth.

• Assists Specialty Court Juvenile Probation Officers, Health Services Supervisors and Program Manager/Administrator as needed.

• Assists with transportation of youth and facilitation of transfer/release.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas High Education Coordinating Board, and either:

A) One (1) year of graduate study at an accredited college or university (18 completed post-graduate hours) in Criminology, Corrections, Counseling, Law, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related field.

OR

B) At least 1500 hours of paid or non-paid experience in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons. These hours must have been earned within twelve (12) months, which do not have to be consecutive months.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of divisional departmental policies and procedures and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Standards.

• Possess an working knowledge of adolescent development an the focus area addressed by the specialty court.

• Possess a working knowledge of community resources.

• Possess and apply overall knowledge of Harris county data processing system, casework system, and legal procedures to fulfill juvenile court needs concerning delinquency.

• General knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

• Knowledge of Pat-Down/Restraint/Transportation policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of required documentation for placing youth in placement.

• Must be able to maintain an active certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer in accordance with TJJD requirements.

• To maintain the specialized JPO stipend, must obtain 12 hours of training yearly in the area of specialization.

• Must be 21 years of age.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and have available transportation for use on the job with vehicle insurance to comply with the liability limits required by statute.

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, every applicant undergoes a criminal background check, drug screening and psychological assessment.

• Employees who hold this position are required to possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license. Employee must maintain liability insurance in at least the minimum amounts required by law.

• Certified copies of transcripts of educational credentials and/or college credits will be required during hiring process.

• All applicants are required to present evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In the event of a positive test, the applicant will be required to provide additional documentation.

• Every employee is subject to random testing for drug and alcohol or if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee is under the influence of a substance prohibited by this policy while in the course and scope of employment.

• If public emergency is declared by county, staff could be assigned to other duties and/or facilities and/or under the supervision of another county department.

• Must be 21 years old.

• This position involves working with challenging youth where use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

• Applicants applying for a position requiring a state certification must adhere to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Standards. Before making an offer of employment for a position eligible for certification, HCJPD will verify that the applicant meets the background qualification for the position according to TJJD Standards 344.300 & 344.400

§344.400 Disqualifying Criminal History:

(a)Applicants for Certification. An individual with the following criminal history is not eligible for certification or for employment in a position requiring certification:

(1) deferred adjudication or conviction for a felony listed in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.054 (formerly known as "3(g) offenses" under former Article 42.12) or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD), regardless of the date of disposition; or

(2) deferred adjudication or conviction for a sexually violent offense as defined in Article 62.001, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD), regardless of the date of disposition.

§344.410 Other Criminal History:

(1) An individual with the following criminal history is not eligible for certification, employment, or otherwise providing service in a position requiring certification without prior review and approval by TJJD as provided in §344.420 of this chapter:

(A) deferred adjudication or conviction for a felony other than those referenced in §344.400(a) of this chapter or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD) if the date of deferred adjudication or conviction was less than 10 years prior to the date the review is requested; or

(B) deferred adjudication or conviction for any Class A or B misdemeanor in Texas or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD) if the date of deferred adjudication or conviction was less than five years prior to the date the review is requested.

About Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD):

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) provides supervision and services to youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. HCJPD is the largest Juvenile Probation department in Texas with approximately 1,100 employees and over 3,500 youth referred to the department annually. HCJPD programs and services operate under the direction of the Harris County Juvenile Board. The Administration building is located in Downtown Houston, Texas, with several field offices throughout the County and three secure residential facilities.

Make an impact: Working for HCJPD gives you the opportunity to continue to serve your community and be a positive role model for young people. Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can make a positive impact.

Professional Growth: We are committed to growing the capabilities of our staff. We are building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your capabilities. Our employees are Juvenile Justice Practitioners who share their knowledge to enhance each other's growth.

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department - Be an Agent of Change:

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular full-time

• Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Late nights and weekends if necessary and/or as scheduled.

Salary:

• $53,497.60 - $72,779.20 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  • Plus, benefits

Location:

• 1200 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Employment Type: Regular Full-time