Probation Officer I

In accordance with the Juvenile Act, JCJC Juvenile Court Standards, and the Juvenile Court's Balanced and Restorative Justice Mission, the Probation Officer I will provide assessment, case planning, supervision and support for juvenile offenders who have been referred to the Juvenile Probation Department.

This job requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor and re-obtained every three years:  PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Criminal History.
 Essential Duties, Tasks and Accountabilities:

• Receive and examine allegations and charges of juvenile delinquency in order to consider the commencement of proceedings under the Juvenile Act.
• Conduct initial interview with juvenile, family, and attorney to review allegations of delinquency and collect family history and background.
• Investigate juvenile's prior criminal history and community and school conduct through collateral contacts with District Justices, police officers and school personnel.
• Utilize available screening and assessment tools to assist in and support recommendations.
• For juveniles placed on informal adjustment, ensure conditions are met within the timeframe set by the Juvenile Court Standards.
• Develop and recommend case plans (i.e., consent decree, formal probation, and placement or aftercare services) for juveniles on probation.
• Ensure that case plans for the juvenile consider the goals of community protection, competency development, and accountability and address the juvenile's and family's strengths and needs.
• Actively participate in treatment teams and assist in the development of treatment goals to help prevent the juvenile's removal from the community.
• Gather information, pertaining to victim impact and restitution, for consideration in the disposition of a case.
• Ensure that DNA data and testing is collected on all youth that have been adjudicated delinquent for the offenses specified in Act 57 of 2002.
• Arrange transfer of disposition or probation to another jurisdiction if non-residents of the county commit delinquent acts.
• Assist in ensuring juvenile's compliance with court-ordered conditions by making referrals to appropriate agencies, services and programs, and collect all collateral reports to assist in appropriate case planning.
• Ensure the ordering and collection of victim restitution.
• Assess juvenile's progress towards goals and adjust level of supervision, as needed.
• Conduct thorough home investigations, school and community visits during supervision of juveniles in accordance with the Juvenile Court Judges Commission Standards.
• Attend court hearings, provide reports, and make recommendations as appropriate to the court.
• Determine the need for pre- and post-adjudicatory detention or alternatives to detention in accordance with the Detention Risk Assessment Instrument and the Juvenile Act.
• Maintain detailed, accurate and timely records in the Court Management System.
• Monitor caseload through regular caseload review with supervisor.
• Collaborate, educate and act as liaison for community resources and initiatives serving juveniles and their families.
• Develop payment plans and monitor the collection of court costs, fines, victim compensation fees.
• Attend seminars and training sessions to expand knowledge and keep abreast of changes in the field of probation services and juvenile justice.
• Actively participate and obtain certification in defense tactics/safety training.
• Participate in on-call duty as required.
• Perform case management and/or non-payment collections duties, as required.
• Collect and test urine specimens according to departmental policy.
• Perform all functions designated by the Juvenile Act or by order of the court pursuant to or as directed by the Chief Probation Officer.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences or related field.
• Evidence of job-related experience and/or training.
• Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exhibit sound and accurate judgment.
• Demonstrates integrity and honesty
• Strong professional ethics
• General understanding of Balanced and Restorative Justice Principles
• Working knowledge of adolescent development and norms.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Must have child abuse clearance.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must submit to and pass reoccurring criminal background checks and child abuse clearances.
• A valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle are required.

 
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
           

• One year of experience working with youth in the juvenile justice or related field.
• Ability to handle and resolve problems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to produce accurate, thorough and timely work.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and protocol.
• Knowledge of court procedures and policies.
• General understanding of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, Juvenile Court Procedural Rules and Victim Bill of Rights.
• Knowledge of juvenile law, standards, regulations, policies and procedures of the juvenile court system.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on behavior deviations of persons who have been involved in delinquent activities.
• Knowledge of probation principles, methods, investigation practices, client supervision and reporting.
• Knowledge of interview methods and techniques applicable to offenders, families, victims and representatives of other interested agencies.

 

 Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic Excel skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Court System software skills

Salary : $49,159