JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER

This is the first of two levels in the Juvenile Probation series. 
 
The general purpose of this position is to identify the problems and needs of juvenile offenders and their families and to develop an individualized plan of action.  Juvenile Probation Officers may be assigned specific duties related to focus area, including Intake, Field, Families in Need of Services, Truancy, Child Abuse, Drug Court, or other related areas. This may include investigating the backgrounds of juvenile and providing extensive casework services to juveniles placed on probation and their families.  Work may involve preparation for court disposition, developing service plans (recommendations for plans of action) and supervising juveniles placed on probation. Juvenile Probation Officers works under close supervision of department director.  Juvenile Probation Officers provide services for the Court and are commissioned as officers of the Court by the Judge.   (The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  Other duties may be assigned.)

• Screen and interview juvenile offenders and their families.  Gather information from juveniles, parents, schools, or social service agencies.  Explore all likely sources of information regarding the home and family life.
• Evaluate information to determine validity of complaints or referrals.
• Review reports with District Attorney's Office.
• Make recommendations to the Court and other agencies based on information gathered.
• Make referrals to other agencies, when appropriate.  May be required to participate in interagency staffings.
• Make recommendations on offenders deemed appropriate for diversion.
• Prepare petitions and present reports and findings to the Court supporting recommendations for disposition.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Maintain case files and computer records in a professional, orderly, concise, and comprehensive manner, including adhering to preparation of case plans and all units of service requirements.
• Transport juveniles to court, medical appointments and other community settings.  Provide supervision of juveniles.
• If applicable, follow all policies and procedures related to carrying and using firearms. 
• Exercise reasonable caution and prudent actions to protect client safety, the safety of the employee and staff and other clients.  Follow policy and procedure manuals on the safety procedures regarding handling of volatile or physically aggressive clients. May make arrests, serve notices, orders, subpoenas and writs.
• Supervise juveniles placed under their supervision and monitor progress towards rehabilitation.
• Develop a case plan that is least restrictive to the offender but also protects the community and victim.
• Adhere to policies and procedures as stated in the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Resources Manual and the Office of Juvenile Justice Services Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Perform any other duties as requested or assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not require supervisory responsibilities.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, or criminal justice preferred; and one year of related experience and/or training preferred.  A Master's Degree in a related field may be substituted for a portion of the required experience. 
 
An Associate's Degree with major course work in psychology, sociology, or criminal justice preferred; and five years full-time work experience in the field of Juvenile Justice and/or working with families may be substituted for Bachelor's Degree requirements.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Valid Driver's License as per State law or requirement.
Maintain certification in CPR, CPI, and First Aid. 
May be required to be certified or receive specialized training in areas related specifically to departmental needs to include, but not limited to:
Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
Sexual Offender Supervision and Management
Case Management of Juveniles with Mental Health issues
Case Management of Juveniles with Drug Abuse issues
Crisis Intervention
Evidence Based Practices
Motivational Interviewing 
May be required to meet continuing requirements for certifications and specialized training.  Failure to obtain and/or meet requirements of any training may impact continuation of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
 KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of personal computers, current computer software, and modern office machinery including printers, copiers, fax machines, multiline phones, and calculators. 
• Principles, practices and procedures of juvenile probation services;
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations, and procedures;
• Rules, regulations and procedures of the Probation department;
• Probation and Corrections techniques and procedures;
• Report writing;
• Interviewing techniques;
• Computers and related software applications.

 
SKILLS

• Ability to work flexible hours and be "on-call" occasionally.
• Must have access to dependable transportation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, other agencies, other Parish employees, and the general public.
• Making home-visits;
• Interviewing juveniles;
• Tracking juveniles' progress;
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases;
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, or more, and may in an emergency situation have to move over 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to juvenile clients and their families who are residing within their own homes.  The employee will also see juvenile offenders in the office, at school, police substations, community centers, and courthouses.  The clients may, at times, become volatile or even physically aggressive. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock.  
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NOTE
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Salary : $22