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Form of workThe Juvenile Probation Officer performs professional correction work supervising juveniles placed on probation or in detention by the courts. Work involves assessing Juvenile Probationers, meeting with probationers to ensure adherence to terms of probation, and maintaining records of probationers' activities and status. The employee is also responsible for providing clients with limited counseling and referring clients to probation assistance programs, and conferring with law enforcement and court personnel in matters pertaining to violation of probation by clients. Work may also involve developing supervision and treatment plans for probationers, supervising juveniles in detention facilities to ensure their safety and welfare, and transporting juveniles between jails, medical institutions, schools, etc. Duties assigned to employees in the job title vary according to division assignments and/or allocation of workload. The employee is subject to the usual potential hazards of contact with legally delinquent juveniles.
Performs juvenile records maintenance, to include recording all contacts, filing physical and electronic records; copying of files for placement; developing and updating case plans as required; conducting assessments and screenings, to include risk and needs assessments; SASSI and or MAYSI; prepares status reports regarding probationers.
Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various word processing and/or file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information.
Enforces court orders and maintains court ordered contact with juveniles under court supervision.
Attends court hearings and gathers information in preparation for hearings.
Prepares and distributes court-related documents for pre-trials hearings, adjudication hearings, and detention hearings; makes recommendations to the court as necessary.
Testifies in court as to probationers' status and adherence to reporting schedules and other terms of probation, as appropriate.
Conducts office visits and field visits with juveniles at home, school, or elsewhere.
Answers phone calls, phone check-ins, and emails; prepares correspondence as necessary.
Documents all contacts with juveniles and others involved in their case, along with all activities involved.
Refers juvenile and family to various programs available through department and community, based on needs of child and family; confers with counselors or other professionals connected to agencies providing human services to probationers.
Transports juveniles to placements; visits juveniles in placement as necessary.
Regular and punctual attendance is required.
Performs other related duties as required.
Bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A minimum of one year of experience in a social service, community, criminal justice, or juvenile justice agency preferred.
In addition, per Chapter 344 of the TAC or any successor statute, the minimum qualifications of the Juvenile Probation Officer are that the candidate:
- be at least 21 years of age;
- have no disqualifying criminal history as described in the TAC;
- never have had any type of certification revoked by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
- complete the training required by the TAC; and
- pass the certification exam as required by §344.700 of the TAC or any successor statute.
Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six (6) months of initial employment is required. Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer, upon hire, preferred.
Possession of a valid driver's license. Must be able to obtain a State of Texas driver's license within 90 days.
Requires the ability to work more than 40 hours during the workweek when necessary.
