Caseworker/Investigator - Family Division

Union

AFSCME Family Court

Pay Grade

Grade 8

Wage Scale

25.81 - $33.56 per hour. Based on experience

Description

General Summary :

Under the supervision of the Casework Supervisor / Referee, enforces court orders and investigates the background of delinquent youths in order to assist the court in determining the most proper disposition of each juvenile case. Supervises and counsels assigned juvenile probationers and attempts to modify or eliminate behavioral problems.

Essential Functions :

• Investigates assigned cases, includes investigating the social history of youths and their families, analyzing and interpreting social documents, and interviewing representatives of schools, enforcement agencies and social service agencies. Makes home visits and continues contact with the youth and the family.
• Prepares pre-dispositional reports in order to assist the court in determining the most appropriate disposition of each case. Recommends probationary terms, treatment, placement, support services, restitution, and / or other action.
• Attends hearings of assigned juveniles and responds to questions of the court. Recommends dispositional alternatives to the court. Provides the court with written progress summaries at review hearings.
• Develops and implements treatment plans for assigned youths designed to meet short and long-term rehabilitative goals and modifies plans as appropriate. Prepares reports for review hearings.
• Supervises juveniles placed on probation. Ensures that conditions of probation are followed. Visits youths and counsels them on a variety of emotional, psychological and behavioral problems. Monitors and evaluates their progress. Documents progress of youths through observation notes and contact notes.
• Provides guidance parents of assigned juveniles, providing advice on how to improve the family situation and resolve conflicts. Refers families to other agencies to further assist them in dealing with family problems.
• Makes referrals to appropriate community agencies including substance and mental health treatment centers.
• Maintains regular contacts with professional and social service agencies that provide juveniles with counseling, testing and guidance. Evaluates feedback on youths from outside agencies. Confers regularly with police, schools, detention facilities and victims regarding progress / actions of youths.
• Maintains an ongoing relationship with representatives of schools and community agencies. Confers with school representatives concerning the juvenile's behavior during school hours and addresses issues involving probationary juveniles. Monitors attendance and academic progress at school.
• Makes recommendations for release from court jurisdiction and provides the court with termination summaries.
• Serves in an on-call basis for juvenile matters.
• Performs other duties as required.

Position Requirements

Education :

Experience :

Other Requirements :

Full-Time / Part-Time

Full-Time

Shift

Days

Position

Caseworker / Investigator - Family Division

Exempt / Non-Exempt

Non-Exempt

Open Date

1 / 22 / 2025

Location

St. Joseph County Three Rivers Courts Campus

About the Organization

The mission of St. Joseph County Government is to provide statutory and constitutional services in a fiscally responsible manner worthy of the dignity and respect of all County citizens. Non-mandated services requested by citizens shall be evaluated and prioritized within the same context of fiscal responsibility and public trust. The basis for providing such services shall include, but not be restricted to : the safety and well-being of the public, the protection and improvement of natural resources, and the expansion of economic opportunities for all citizens.

St. Joseph County Government as stewards of people and resources promotes equal opportunity for all, and hereby encourages the talents, creativity and leadership of all County employees in striving for prompt, courteous, respectful and efficient delivery of services.

St. Joseph County provides an excellent benefit package. This includes health, dental, vision, life, and short and long term disability insurance. We also offer a very generous sick and vacation package and 13 paid holidays for most positions. Pension plans are available for many of our employees as well as additional retirement options.

EOE Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.

Salary : $26 - $34