Juvenile Probation Officer

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

FAMILY DIVISION, JUVENILE SECTION

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Probation Officer UNIT ID: 1603

JOB NO: INDEX CODE:

DEPARTMENT: Community-Based Office, Intake, Investigations, School Based

REPORTS TO: Supervisor POSITION SUPERVISED: 0

POSITION SUMMARY: This is a professional level position assigned to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Family Division, Juvenile Section. The Probation Officer is responsible for carrying out the mandates of the “Juvenile Act” contained in the Judicial Code (Title 42-Chapter 63) and the Rules of Juvenile Court procedure relating to the care, guidance, control, trial, placement and commitment of delinquent children. This individual’s responsibilities include conducting investigations, completing reports and making recommendations to the court, reviewing and examining complaints and charges of delinquency or dependency for the purpose of considering the commencement of proceedings under the Act, supervising and assisting a child placed on probation or in protective supervision or care by order of the Court or other authority of law, making appropriate referrals to private or public agencies of the community where assistance is needed or desirable, taking into custody and detaining a child under the supervision of the Court, where the Probation Officer has reasonable cause to believe the child’s health and safety is in imminent danger, or that the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the Court or that the child violated the conditions of probation. This individual must know, understand and implement the Balanced and Restorative Justice philosophy (BARJ) by routinely engaging assigned caseload in BARJ activities. Additionally, this position requires conducting YLS interviews with youth and family. Ability to document YLS in JCMS. Probation Officer will assure that victim’s rights and notifications are conducted and documented per Juvenile Rules. Probation Officer responsibilities require strong oral and written skills, exceptional organizational and people skills, sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive materials with discretion. Assignments generally follow routine procedures. This individual is expected to work independently within the responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS : The incumbent for this position must have achieved and possess an educational level of completion of a Bachelors degree with major course work preferably in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or related field with a background of at least 18 credits in the behavioral or social sciences and possess a minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience or a Master’s degree with major course work preferably in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or related field with a background of at least 18 credits in the behavioral or social sciences and possess one (1) year of relevant work experience.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of the “Juvenile Act” and the juvenile justice system, knowledge of the social factors and causes of social maladjustment of juveniles and adults, knowledge of current social economic, legal and health problems and recourses, knowledge of individual and group behavior. Candidates must possess interpersonal skills that result in effective communication with supervisors, co-workers, and outside parties. Must possess the ability to problem solve, ability to think and work independently. Must demonstrate solid counseling skills. Must have the ability to be clear and concise in their written and verbal communications.

KNOWLEDGE OF EQUIPMENT: General computer proficiency, Word/Excel competency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS : Ability to deal with stress associated with position/environment. Daily documentation and record keeping under fast paced conditions must be able to listen to and clearly communicate with clients, coworkers, and various other professionals. Make professional judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations. Able to grasp and apply new ideas, ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks. Must be able to transport self and clients, as required, and travel between office sites and to various locations throughout the state, county, i.e. schools, community-based agencies, community sites, training sites, etc. as required. Requires manual dexterity to perform job duties and range of hearing/vision sufficient, to participate in courtroom duties, operate standard office machines, car, etc.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Probation Officers are Officers of the Court on call 24 hours a day . Additionally, this position may require Probation Officer to work non-traditional hours.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Clearance, and Criminal Record Clearance

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS : Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, the use of an automobile as required and proof of valid car insurance

STATUS: Full time with benefits

KEY ACCOUNTABILTIY ACTIVITIES: Not all employees holding this position perform all of the following:

PERFORM ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES BY:

• Planning office conferences and field visits in connection with case investigation and supervision functions;
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records in prescribed forms;
• Making recommendations based on dispositional guidelines and Court policies;
• Gathering, evaluating and documenting data pertinent to individual cases in connection with both investigation and supervision, i.e. information about offender’s home, school, neighborhood etc.;
• Ensuring Court orders are adhered to by clients and providers;
• Maintaining and documenting contacts in JCMS per established policies and procedures. PERFORM CASEWORK AND COUNSELING DUTIES BY:
• Conducting pre-hearing and ongoing investigations to determine and clarify juvenile’s needs and strengths;
• Preparing and updating Probation plans for youth following policies guidelines.
• Coordinating with public/private community agencies to address client’s needs and enhance strengths;
• Maintaining contact with youth, complainants, victims and victim service advocates, witnesses, police, parents (guardians) per policy;
• Participating in police ride along within the community per established policy;
• Preparing and documenting Court reports based on investigations per policy;
• Attending and presenting information and recommendations at hearings;
• Collaborating with community agencies in developing Restorative Justice resources. ESSENTIAL DUTIES :
• * Ability to drive – MUST possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and insurance;

*

• Oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to document using the computer systems;
• Ability to make face to face contact in the community and any relevant party;
• Appear for Court as necessary;
• Ability to report to work on a consistent basis to ensure efficient operation of policies, procedures and protocols.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $38,304.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• criminal justice: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations

Salary : $38,304