Juvenile Probation Officer

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you.  Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment

Under general supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in probation and other community correctional services with juvenile offenders. Professionals in this position perform casework, supervision, and counseling of juvenile probationers. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the Court in determining the level of intervention needed by the system in order to impact delinquent behavior and eliminate or reduce recidivism and to assist the probationer to solve problems and to make necessary adjustments to reduce law-violating behavior. An employee in this position performs duties such as: scheduled and unscheduled home visits, curfew checks via telephone and in person, home confinement checks, random urinalysis, breathalyzer tests, group and individual treatment attendance confirmation, surveillance, offender employment and residence verification, registration and sexually transmitted disease testing and confirmation, DNA testing, collateral and police contact, and face-to-face contact with assigned juvenile offenders and their parent / legal guardian. Work requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit. 

Hours of Work

• Varies by unit.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned.

• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional hours (evening/weekends)       

• Evaluates the dynamics of the family situation of the client, designs a treatment plan, makes recommendations to the court and assists the client and family in working through problems. 
• Implements Evidence Based Principals for effective interventions such as risk assessments, motivational interviewing, targeted interventions, positive reinforcement, outcome measures and measurement feedback, as applicable. 
• Provides direct counseling and referrals for additional counseling to the client and family. 
• Responds to emergency situations that arise for client crisis intervention and provides appropriate follow-up services. 
• Provides written or oral reports on assigned cases to the Court. Documents all contacts with client, family and collateral contacts into the database and maintains case files on each client. 
• Makes referrals for supportive services and maintains contact with agency for the duration of the service. 
• Collects factual information to be used by the judge in determining appropriate sentences or other actions. 
• Handles probation violations using the Administrative Sanctions Program and makes recommendations whether or not further court action is required. 
• Monitors client’s compliance with court ordered conditions. 
• Conducts urinalysis, breathalyzer testing and collects DNA samples. 
• Acts as an advocate and community liaison.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, 

duties, or responsibilities.  Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned. 

• Gathers, organizes, analyzes, examines, or evaluates data or information.
• Persuades of influences others in favor of a service, course of action, or point of view.
• Requires 
• Identifies and recommends realistic methods and/or procedures to enhance overall division effectiveness and efficiency.
• Effectively demonstrates an ability to complete a variety of assignments. 
• Demonstrates unique and creative problem solving on a repeated basis.
• Demonstrates a variety of skills that contribute to effective service delivery.
• Is competent to work effectively with most all cases and assignments.
• Possesses a working knowledge of the justice system, relevant laws, court rules, administrative orders, Administrative Office policies and procedures, and the operation of the assigned unit.
• Competently handles more challenging caseloads.
• Manages multiple priorities with minimal assistance.
• Recognizes and diagnoses problems and demonstrates competent problem-solving and decision-making skills on a continuing basis.
• Demonstrates a continuing awareness of system issues and needs and brings them to the attention of management.
• Demonstrates competent written and verbal communications.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements 

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field. 
• Candidates must also apply to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) for certification in a “Supervisory” position. This certification is required by AOIC for promotion eligibility. The following is a link to the required form: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/employment-application/

Other Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of Illinois.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must pass a physical examination

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• May involve long periods sitting and driving in a car. 

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!   

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $25