Juvenile Probation Officer I

Definition of Class

• Under direct supervision, he/she supervises, counsels, transports and provides caseload management of court assigned juveniles on probation from Erie County or other Pennsylvania counties or other states as stipulated by the Interstate Compact.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend training sessions and observe the operation of all phases of the work done in the Juvenile Probation Department. Provide counseling services to probationers. Maintain chronological records for each juvenile under supervision. Prepare court summaries and reports requested by the Probation Department or the Court. Make recommendations on the placement of clients. Attend court hearings and present information to assist the Judge in decision-making. Assure that juveniles are complying with probation rules and court orders. Procure treatment or assistance from other agencies for juveniles under supervision and their families. Advise probationers of their rights under the law and see that their rights are enforced. Collect and keep accurate record of restitution ordered. Maintain contact with parents/guardians. Visit juveniles at school and monitor attitude and attendance. Transport clients to various locations. Coordinate efforts with court officials, other probation staff, lawyers and other persons and agencies. Seek and arrest individuals who have violated terms of their probation. Participate in scheduled physical safety training. Perform other duties as required.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• A Probation Officer must have a working knowledge of modern probation, social service principles and practices as well as an ability to learn the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to probation and the legal system. He/she must also have an ability to inspire confidence and gain cooperation from probation clients and families, an ability to meet and deal successfully with probation clients and the public under trying circumstances. A Probation Officer must have high moral standards and integrity (i.e., being able to keep information confidential). The following attributes are also necessary: emotional stability and good self-control under stress, good judgment in matters relating to human service work, impartiality and firmness and supervisory ability. A Probation Officer must also learn and understand the working of the Courts, government and human service agencies, including their goals, services and limitations. Further, a Probation Officer must develop an ability to analyze complex problems and make appropriate decisions based on established guidelines as well as the ability to learn the use of physical restraints, arrest procedures and be trained on defensive tactics. This individual must also possess good organizational skill as well as excellent writing and verbal skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences
• Must have a Valid Driver's License
• Must Provide Own Transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in human service field preferred.

Conditions Of Employment

• Submit to a driver's record check and have an acceptable history of driver's license violations. Must submit to and have an acceptable Pennsylvania State Police criminal history background check, Pennsylvania child abuse background check and an FBI criminal history background check prior to commencement of employment. Must pass a drug screening prior to employment.