JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - PROBATION SERVICES - COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAD

***Currently, this is a certified general services position which pays $59,750.96 and is subject to the non-certified general services pay dependent on state funding every biennium.***

Acceptable Experience and Education

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Behavioral Science or any closely related field  and two years’ experience in juvenile supervision, working with at-risk youth and/or community engagement. Supervisory experience preferred. 

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, and other requirements:

In order to access into the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date.

Must have a telephone and report residence. 

Must be at least 21 years of age

Must meet qualifications and be eligible to be certified as a Juvenile Supervision Officer by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and abide by all training requirements, to include becoming certified in Handle With Care (HWC) or any other restraint technique adopted by the department with in the first 180 days of hire.  

Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso. 

Proof of automobile liability insurance coverage is required.

Essential Duties

Responsible for the performance oversight of staff assigned to the community Improvement program;

The Community Services Lead is responsible for supervising, coaching, conducting quarterly and yearly evaluations, and ensuring compliance of juvenile supervision officer certification requirements;

Responsible for maintaining performance management of staff assigned to the community improvement program through fair and consistent enforcement of the Probation Services - Special Programs Unit (PS SPU) Policies and Procedures;

Observes the employees to assist and develop positive work habits consistent with the goals of the unit;

Assist in tracking JSO certifications and training compliance for unit personnel.

Responsible for conducting regular policy audits as assigned and providing feedback to ensure compliance with PS SPU policies and procedures;

Monitors employee's daily schedules, with emphasis on the accrual of compensatory time and the utilization of sick and unscheduled leave and ensures staff adherence to scheduling;

Responsible for the strict adherence and compliance of the Juvenile Justice Professional Code of Ethics in day-to-day operations and department wide community outreach.

Responsible for general administrative duties to include coordinating and facilitating staff meetings and training, preparation of work schedules, and the development, implementation and revision of community service calendars;

Conducts training to enhance staff core, technical, and leadership competencies;

Must be able to provide effective training on Juvenile Justice relevant subject matter, case management, positive youth development, community service activities and be familiar with different training methods and learning styles;

Participates in interviews for prospective new hires;

Addresses concerns and/or complaints of parents, juveniles and the public;

Participates in assessing operations to identify gaps in policy and procedure and is responsible for the development and implementation of Community Improvement Program (CIP) Standard Operating Procedures in coordination with the Field Compliance Community Improvement Supervisor;

Monitors critical processes needed to maintain Texas Juvenile Justice Department's audit compliance to include, but not limited to, eligibility determination and contract compliance;

Monitors the staff schedule and is responsible for effectively and efficiently maintaining the proper staff to juvenile ratio on service-learning projects in accordance with policy, federal, state and local standards; makes schedule adjustments as required;

Is responsible for project management to include taking an active role in researching, exploring, and coordinating community engagement service-learning projects that foster an environment that promotes and encourages positive youth development;

Actively connects with community partners (private and non-profit entities) to create opportunities for system-involved youth to participate in positive youth development activities;

Fosters relationships with Unit Service Providers to promote positive experience for youth on medical transports and assists in coordinating appointments as needed.

Facilitates re-entry positive youth development activities for youth exiting secure and non-secure residential placements;

Identifies, schedules, facilitates, implements, and tracks outreach and educational initiatives to include, trainings, public speaking engagements and educational presentations to youth, parents, schools, and other stakeholders;

Makes critical and sound decisions during emergencies or potentially dangerous situations;

Encourages relationships with co-workers and colleagues that promote teamwork, mutual respect within the department, the profession and improvement of its quality of service;

Coordinates internship and volunteer participant duty delegation to all Juvenile Probation units by applying knowledge of corresponding grant compliance requirements if applicable and program needs;

Ensures compatibility of interns/volunteers to program projects assigned and ensures compliance with state mandated (TAC 344.300) and Probation Services (PS) Special Programs Unit (SPU) policy 2-1 requirements for volunteers and interns;

Enters, monitors and audits the program application for accurate entries and tracking of department Intern and Volunteers.

Refers and schedules presenters for community engagement activities (schools, civic organizations, etc.) and coordinate with all internal Juvenile Probation Units/for all community engagement initiatives for program/project implementation;

Ensures community engagement presentations are standardized and approved by unit directors;

Leads departmental initiatives and committees and management of departmental projects;

Monitors and manages unit budget for Continual Improvement Process (CIP) initiatives, to include completing memorandums and submitting requests through chain of command;

Reports, monitors, and keeps statistical data on community engagement activities and presentations for the Department;

Continuously researches and connects with non-profit, educational or governmental institutions, which may be used, as community service-learning sites and partner for all units within the department;

Ensures that selected agencies are proper and safe work environments that adhere to departmental policies;

Develops training curriculums and the provision of training to internal and external personnel on department initiatives and projects through collaborative efforts with community agencies;

Be familiar and knowledgeable in FCO unit operations and substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts;

Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills;

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Must be available to work non-traditional hours and be on call as necessary on official business.

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Summary of Position

The Community Services Lead will be responsible for community engagement to include oversight of personnel assigned to this unit as well as for fostering connections with community stakeholders. Responsible for acting as the departmental liaison for city/county government engagement and departmental community engagement initiatives, providing positive youth development services to youth as well as overseeing the Community Improvement programs, including department volunteers and interns.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: community providers and resources to promote quality service coordination and service delivery to youth and families; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.

Skill/Ability to: have strong interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills in both small and large group settings; express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; proficient in the use of various computer database systems and Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher; plan; implement; monitor short- and long-term strategic goals; have high degree of maturity coupled with interest in working with children/adolescents; work effectively with maladjusted children; present information to diverse groups of large audiences; have capability to telework; develop and maintain collaborative relationships with state and local service agencies, key stakeholders, educational and the treatment community to promote program and departmental goals; plans; organize; coordinate community service projects, specialized programs, and community service activities for the Department; coordinate staff to supervise these community service activities; successfully complete the department’s pre-employment requirements; pass a Criminal Background Check.

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;

• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;

• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;

•  Maintain strict confidentiality;

• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times;

• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to:  Field Compliance Community Improvement Supervisor

Directs:       Community Service Specialists

Other:     Frequent contact and cross- collaboration with other Department personnel and other departments within the county.    

Physical Demands

While working in the office, the incumbent will sit for long periods of time in front of a computer terminal using a keyboard and mouse, requiring hand and finger dexterity, the ability to see well enough to read documents and computer screens, lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment 

Office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Field Environment. While attending community engagement projects the incumbent will stand, bend, lift and work along with youth completing community service projects for the Department, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. The position requires the employee to be out in the physical elements of weather, including possible prolonged exposure to the sun, rain, etc. 

The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. 

Job Location (Place(s) where work is performed)

Juvenile Probation Department.

Salary : $59,751