Intake - Juvenile Probation / Juvenile Supervision Officer

Juvenile Probation Officer

This position operates under the general direction of the Lead Probation Officer and/or Facility Administrator, while working closely with the Detention / Transportation Administrator and or the Deputy Director. This position is responsible for the overall detention intake of juveniles, in the Ellis County Pre-Adjudication Juvenile Detention Facility, which includes the receipt and review of all formal referrals for juveniles; upon which this position will work closely with arresting agencies to determine that the state and local documents are present, for the necessary detention of a juvenile.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Screens, accepts and releases juveniles referred to detention based on Probable Cause and proper documentation;
• Completes screenings, to include, but not limited to: administering state mandated assessments, making required referrals for services (as needed), monitoring juveniles during the intake process and detention (as needed), reviewing all required documentation for the detention of juveniles;
• Processes TJJD referrals;
• Providing all referrals to proper entities, upon accepting the formal referral;
• Scheduling and coordinating Court for all detention juveniles;
• Maintaining contact with supervisory staff as a juvenile is detained;
• Ability to exhibit positive interactions and communication with diverse population;
• Maintain professionalism at all times;
• Thorough knowledge of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) standards and requirements as it relates to the detention of juveniles, as well as the overall philosophy and operations of the Juvenile Justice System in Texas;
• Knowledgeable of the Texas Family Code (TFC) relating to the detention of juveniles;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and outside agencies;
• Ability to become trained in verbal de-escalation skills and non-threatening restraint techniques;
• Ability to possess and maintain CPR and First-Aid Certification;
• Assist with transportation of detained juveniles (as needed);
• Data Entry in the Juvenile Case Management System (JCMS);
• Effective communication with families / guardians of detained juveniles;
• Creation of juvenile case files for formal referrals;
• Preparation of Court reports based upon the interview conducted with juvenile / family and or guardian and information gathered from offense reports;
• Developed skills in working with at-risk-youth;
• Ability to multi-task and properly prioritize in a secure environment;
• Intervene in situations which require crisis intervention of juveniles whom may display verbal or physical aggression;
• Monitor and communicate any EM violations of juveniles;
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Typical qualifications include:

• Must be at least 21 years of age;
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License;
• Must have acquired a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
• A minimum of one (1) experience working with youth in the field of juvenile justice, case management, juvenile supervision or probation, counseling, behavioral science, or in a related field preferred.
• Must have or obtain certifications from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department for a juvenile probation officer and juvenile supervision officer within six (6) months of hire;
• Must maintain active Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer Certifications as a condition of employment;
• Meet criminal history employment guidelines as provided by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
• Ability to speak, read and write English language; (bilingual Spanish / English is preferred but not required)
• May never had any type of certification revoked by lawful authority of the Texas Juvenile Justice Commission and not be currently under an order of suspension as described in Title 37, §344.840(d) of the Texas Administrate Code;
• Must be willing to assist in the juvenile short-term detention facility when necessary;
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule which can include evenings, weekends, holidays and after hours
• Must be able to be on call per rotation.

Physical demands include:

This position typically requires manual dexterity, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, driving a vehicle, walking on an incline, working well with others. May be exposed to smoke and fire during fire emergencies; may also be exposed to hazardous substances when facility maintenance is being performed and when conducting routine housekeeping duties. May be exposed to contagious medical diseases. Must be able to use verbal de-escalation skills and non-violent physical restraint techniques to ensure the safety and security of juveniles and staff.

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of CPS and background checks, including reference checks, license checks, and criminal history checks.

Ellis County is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify.