Probation Officer

SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor, this position provides probation/case management services to youth.  This position is responsible for performing work in compliance with laws, court rules, policies and procedures, and has no supervisory responsibilities.  Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Assesses the needs of the youth and family by completing a comprehensive case management assessment and plan of service with the youth and family. 
•    Supports child and family in reaching goals and measurable objectives of the plan by linking and coordinating services, monitoring, reassessing and follow-up.
•    Documents consumer contacts in all required written reports.
•    Assists the Court in the disposition of cases by providing written reports, recommendations and oral testimony. 
•    Improves personal development and the delivery of services through active participation in staff training, team meetings, supervision and conferences.
•    Ensures the delivery of services to clients in the office and the field by maintaining a flexible work schedule.
•    Complies with all Court, Clinic, CMH, Medicaid, and CARF standard.
•    Prepares statistical reports to ensure management’s ability to track and assess  
work volume and workload equity. 
•    Assesses the sufficiency of submitted paperwork.  Reviews databases 
for information regarding filings with the Court.
•    Ensures that cases are processed in a timely manner.
•    Informs management of relevant issues and problems.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Criminal Justice. The ability to be credentialed as a Child Mental Health Professional is a requirement for Clinical Case Manager candidates. 
•    One (1) year of Case Management experience.
•    Experience using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
•    Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
•    Ability to ask and answer questions and to explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner.
•    Ability to be firm, while having a supportive attitude, when dealing with youth.
•    Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, so that others can understand.
•    Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations while exercising good judgment.

•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.
•    Ability to meet and interact with the public and deal tactfully, courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
•    Ability to operate office equipment.
•    Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
•    Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
•    Excellent interpersonal communication skills for dealing with youth, parents, the Court, police and school authorities.
•    Excellent communication skills for preparing reports and recommendations.
•    Knowledge of community resources.
•    Skill in applying various statutes and implementing regulations.
•    Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
•    Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
•    Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
•    Some assignments must be performed in a field environment and/or detention facility.
•    Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
•    Ability to detect, create and interpret documents.
•    Operate a computer and other office machinery, items or equipment.
•    Position self to move from one place to another.
•    Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
•    Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.
•    Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.
•    Employees in this job title will be required to perform work assignments in the field.
•    Some assignments must be performed in a field environment and/or detention facility.
•    Applicants must be eligible for employment authorization in the U.S.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.  Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

NOTES:      06/20/2012    Updated for formatting; revision of qualifications
11/17/2014    Updated for content; summary and license requirements
03/23/2017    Updated for Content. (Replaces the Probation Officer and Case Manager Job Descriptions). 
06/02/2017    Updated for content and format.
02/11/2019    Updated for content (clarified credential requirements).
03/01/2019    Revision of Qualifications
05/16/2024    Updated content
02/05/2025    Updated for content; (physical requirements, Licenses, grant funded info.)