Juvenile Intake Probation Officer

Responsible for conducting intake interviews for youth referred to Probation Services, completing the Disposition Investigation Report (social history), and the risk and needs instrument tool (OYAS), with recommendations regarding dispositional sanctions and overrides for cases when appropriate. Responsible for all supervision of assigned youth pending assignment to District Unit Probation Officer.

Minimum Position Requirements:

Education/Training:                         Bachelor degree in psychology, social work, criminal justice, education or a related field.

Experience/Knowledge/Background:  At least two (2) years relevant work experience required; three (3) plus years preferred, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skills:                                                   Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills. Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.  Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must. Demonstrated experience in probation interviewing and non-violent crisis intervention is preferred.

Appearance/Personality:                 Courtesy and a professional business demeanor and presentation are essential.  Due to the personally sensitive nature of information in this area, confidentiality is essential. Must have the ability to work well with a diverse group of people.

Special Requirements:                     Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age; have a valid driver’s license; and submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, psychological exam, TB screen, drug screen) criminal record check and in-depth reference check. In this position there is a high probability of experiencing situations that involve an elevated stress level while dealing with violent or uncooperative youth.

Court Expectations of Employee:

• Adheres to Court Policy and Procedures

• Acts as a role model both within and outside the Court

• Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships

• Maintains a positive and respectful approach both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court

• Performs duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments meeting Department productivity standards

• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues

• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload

• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties of position meeting Court attendance standards

Essential Job Functions:

• Meets with families to conduct intake interviews.

• Completes all duties as a probation officer until case is assigned to probation officer, including any emergency situations that may arise.

• Collects collateral information for intake cases from visits to the youth’s home, school, Juvenile Detention Center or community treatment service providers as appropriate.

• Completes Dispositional Investigation Report (DIR) and Risk and Needs instrument tool (OYAS), along with recommending dispositional sanctions and treatment alternatives for each case referred to probation services within the time frames established by departmental 

• Completes “Override Request” for those cases that pose peculiarities that the Risk and Needs instrument tool (OYAS) do not measure, and which do not accurately reflect the proper type or level of probation services required for the referred youth.

• Implements Court Orders; files probation violations; makes recommendations to assist in devising case plans for probationers; makes recommendations to the  court.

• Refers youth and/or their families to specialized services and/or programs sponsored by the Court, community agencies or other approved service providers. 

• Appears in Court to provide testimony and present recommendations as required.  Confers with prosecutors, attorneys, magistrates and judges in conjunction with court hearings.

• Prepares and processes items such as motions to show cause, requests for minor warrants, requests for psychological evaluations, placement checklist forms, correspondence and other reports as required.

• Prepares and processes reports concerning known or suspected cases of child abuse as required by policy and law.

• Makes referrals for the assessment and treatment of substance abuse related problems. 

• Presents case information to the Resource Staffing Team and others as required. 

• Substitutes for absent probation officer when needed.

• Completes/prepares intra-state and inter-state cases as assigned.

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• May be required to assist in the collection of research or information for special projects.

• May be required to work irregular hours.

• Attends mandatory staff meetings and training as assigned.

• Provides support and backup to other employees as needed or requested.

• All other duties as assigned.

Language Skills:

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills a must.

• Requires the ability to utilize a variety of reference, descriptive and advisory data and information such as technical operating manuals, statutes, procedures, guidelines and routine and non-routine correspondence. 

• Must write legibly.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires the ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the ability to calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:         

• Requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, carry out instructions and independently problem-solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.

Physical Demands:        

• Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort, to include the ability to walk (to include up and down multiple flights of stairs), stoop, bend, kneel, use hands, move objects, reach, push and pull on a regular basis.

• Tasks may require the employee to occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull objects weighing from five to ten pounds.

• Must be able to hear and also talk in a clear and concise manner.

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Work Environment:       

• Tasks are regularly performed in safe and comfortable surroundings.

• Exposure to adverse environmental conditions while making home, school or other location visits is probable and may include exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, communicable diseases or pathogenic substances.