Youth Services Officer

The Youth Services Officer performs specialized work associated with coordinating activities between the Juvenile Court and juveniles and families in delinquent and unruly cases. The incumbent’s duties include supervising a caseload of juveniles on probation in order to ensure probationary rules and court orders are followed. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct intakes by receiving and examining complaints and allegations of delinquency and unruly behavior for the purpose of considering the commencement of proceedings;
• Supervise a caseload of juveniles placed on court probation in order to ensure adherence with rules of probation and orders of the Juvenile Court;
• Meet with juveniles and parents at place of residence, school, and court;
• Monitor progress of abiding by rules of probation and court orders; and provides guidance and counseling while performing crisis intervention, as necessary;
• Prepare recommendations concerning juveniles reappearing in court; 
• Prepare and execute referrals to other agencies for services needed by families;
• Determine whether a juvenile should be placed in detention and schedules appropriate court hearings;
• Coordinate activities regarding juvenile arrests with law enforcement officials;
• Serve petitions to juveniles while maintaining records;
• Perform supervised substance screens on juveniles and adults as directed by the court;
• Set court dates related to juvenile cases; and attend court as scheduled;
• Prepare, transcribe, and complete various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, or other documents;
• Receive various forms, reports, correspondence, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation for reviews, completions, and processes; whereupon, they shall be forwarded or retained as appropriate;
• Operate a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data and verify accuracy of entered data and amend corrections by utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, or other software programs;
• Communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments, county officials, law enforcement personnel, judges, court officials, juveniles, parents, lawyers, therapists, victims, school officials, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed regarding juvenile probation activities or to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or to resolve problems;
• Answer incoming telephone calls and provide information and assistance; 
• Maintain a comprehensive, modern knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to juvenile detention, juvenile probation, and juvenile court activities; 
• Attend workshops and training sessions as appropriate; and
• Perform other assigned duties.

It is mandatory for Youth Services Officer to:

• Support the principles and methods used in the Juvenile Justice System;
• Possess knowledge of human behavior and performance regarding individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation;
• Propensity to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities, and needs;
• Routinely maintain tactful and professional conversations with others; including, while being confronted with controversial situations;
• Maintain organized working space, projects, and assignments; and
• Bolster and sustain a professional demeanor with the public, colleagues, judges, lawyers, and other agencies; including calm, kind, and effective communications.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Bachelor’s Degree;
• One (1) year of experience preferred;
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and  
• Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, reach and manipulate objects, tools and/or controls. The position requires mobility. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment, such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator and similar machines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most work is performed in a well-lighted, modern office setting with centrally controlled heating and air conditioning or outside in conditions which may include heat, cold, rain, or other inclement weather during field work assignments throughout the calendar year.

BENEFITS

Exceptional full time benefits package includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension with Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Services, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.