Juvenile Probation Officer I, Ii

Under general supervision and guidance, the incumbents investigate, assess, and supervise juvenile offenders and/or court wards; make arrests of juvenile offenders or those in violation of court orders; make recommendations and prepare court reports and forms; aid in the social rehabilitation of juvenile offenders including case plans and counseling; represent the Department in court, at institutions, foster homes, and community agencies; and perform related work as required an in a manner consistent with policies, procedures and practices of Humboldt County Juvenile Services and in compliance with NRS Chapter 62.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journeyman level of the class class in the Juvenile Probation Officer series. A Probation Officer II is generally able to complete assignments independently. However, the Probation Officer II still works under supervision and consults with supervisors. A Probation Officer II is expected to exhibit competent casework skills including counseling youth and families, consulting with other professionals and integrating services.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide direction for student interns and volunteers.(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required)

• Performs a wide range of Juvenile Probation subject areas and assignments; interview clients, relatives, acquaintances, complainants, victims and others to determine attitude toward and nature of offense, personal and social adjustment, school, family, work history, living conditions and environment, or other circumstances as needed to correctly asses the risk and needs of the offender.
• Contact public officials, community agencies, and employers to verify prior delinquent history and other pertinent information gathered during the interviews. Maintain case records and prepares periodic reports summarizing youth's progress and involvement with the Department.
• Gather pertinent information for purposes of investigation and/or assessment.
• Receive on-going training on case management, probation supervision practices and techniques in order to prepare case plans, court reports and other written documentation.
• Testify in both juvenile and adult court as required.
• Provide recommendations regarding the filing of a petition; approve detention admission/release decisions; recommend special classification status for juveniles in custody or transports and other safety measures.
• Explain youth's legal status and conditions of probation to youth, family and appropriate parties; schedule subsequent contacts and arrange for referrals and services.
• Counsel juveniles, in compliance with conditions of probation and a case plan, by discussing with the youth and parents the goals of the plan and family involvement; conduct home visits to assess youth's adjustment and living conditions; make school visits to monitor youth's progress; make employer contacts when appropriate and conduct drug and alcohol screening.
• Confer with supervisor regarding youth's progress, the need for modification or revocation of probation, the feasibility of termination of probation and to obtain assistance with cases.
• Make arrest of probation violators and youth involved in delinquent acts.
• Place youth in foster home and institutions, counsel youth to prepare for placement, coordinate placement activities and maintain regular contact to assess progress. Work closely with DCFS for co-custody youth.
• Attend staff meetings, participate in training programs; maintain a flexible work schedule. Serve as on-call officer as assigned which includes nights, weekends and holidays.
• May be assigned to a specialty unit as deemed appropriate.
• Preforms related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Full Performance (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned)
Knowledge of:

• County and department policies, practices and procedures relevant to area of work assignment,
• Computer software specific to the department.
• Laws, rules and regulations related to area of assignment.
• Procedures for accessing funds (such as Medicaid for residential treatment)

Ability to:

• Apply casework methods and procedures.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports
• Apply interviewing and investigative techniques effectively.
• Apply counseling methods and practices effectively.
• Apply de-escalation techniques effectively.
• Review information, identify problems and arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Remain calm in emergency and/or stressful situations.
• Apply crisis intervention strategies.
• Safely use physical restraints and other Defensive Tactics methods authorized for use by Juvenile Services. Annual certification in Defensive Tactics must be held.
• Weigh client needs against community protection.
• Testify effectively in court proceedings and ensure court preparedness.
• Write department and court reports.
• Uphold the Code of Conduct for Juvenile Services.

Entry Level (Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods)
Knowledge of:

• Juvenile Justice Principles and practices
• Principles and techniques of interviewing.
• Basic counseling methods and practices.
• Casework methods and procedures.

Ability to:

• Exercise emotional control.
• Understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Accurately observe and recall information.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• View information, identify problems and arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Operate a personal computer and software programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
• Apply casework method and procedures.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Juvenile Probation Officer I- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, social work or closely related field. A combination of education and experience may be taking into consideration.
Juvenile Probation Officer II - A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, social work or closely related field and two years full-time experience performing Peace Officer/JPO work.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Must possess a current and valid Nevada P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards Training) academy in the first year of employment including passing the Nevada P.O.S.T. Physical Fitness Examination.
Out of state applicants must meet P.O.S.T requirements per Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 289.200 and may need to successfully complete an in-lieu academy on Nevada State Law.
Out of state applicants must pass the P.O.S.T. Academy challenge exam with a 70% or higher score within one (1) year.
A valid Nevada Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for continued employment in this classification.
Maintain CPR/First Aid certification for continued employmentHumboldt County, Nevada and the Sixth Judicial District Court are equal employment opportunity employers and providers in the services we offer.Employment Type: Full-time