Juvenile Probation Officer

Juvenile Probation Officer

The Juvenile Probation Officer is responsible for supervising a caseload of criminal juveniles to ensure compliance with Court ordered conditions. Through the utilization of Evidence Based Practices, an actuarial risk assessment, and established professional standards, the probation officer will target criminogenic needs with a focus on increasing public safety and effectuating positive outcomes. This position is responsible for considering alternatives to detention and all possible implications to public safety.

The Probation Officer must demonstrate high moral character and possess strong decision making skills as well as the ability to problem solve under pressure.

*Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises a caseload through direct contact with individuals and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence their life (i.e.: family members, treatment and educational programs, significant others, etc.).
• Investigate personal backgrounds, prepare reports, appear and testify before the Court.
• Foster an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Utilize Evidence Based and Best Practices in the field of community supervision.
• Obtain all relevant background information on the individual in order to effect positive behavioral change.
• Complete an actuarial risk and need assessment to identify individual criminogenic needs; address goals and objectives through the development of a case supervision plan.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change.
• Address antisocial behavior through the use of appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate supervision utilizing a variety of methods including electronic monitoring, office, home, and community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment; all of which may present inherent risks.
• Maintain accurate case records and review monthly contact summaries for quality assurance.
• Prepare Court reports and documents as needed.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and other agencies that provide services.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually.
• Undergo and maintain successful: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification; maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Promote victim restoration.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours to include: nights, weekends, holidays, and after hours on-call responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, and special projects as required.

Department Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop competencies in Evidence Based and Best Practices: Youth Level of Service (YLS), Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Child Trauma Screen (CTS), Trauma Informed Decision Making Protocol (TIDP), Brief Intervention Tools (BITs), Pennsylvania Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (PaDRAI), Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI), Graduated Responses (GR), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS);
• Undergo training and obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under Court supervision; maintain annual recertification.
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use-of-Force Continuum and self-defense; maintain defensive tactics certification.
• Identify alternatives to detention/incarceration, when appropriate.
• Prepare Court orders; provide the Court with appropriate and informed status reports and recommendations.
• Facilitate detention/arrest when necessary.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Must possess problem solving abilities, decision making, and judgement skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements.
• Fundamental belief that individuals can change their behavior.
• Some knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health Diagnoses, and Substance Use Disorder.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasionally to other destinations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation including satisfactory physical examination and drug screen.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Drug and alcohol testing is performed on individuals to ensure compliance with specific Court orders. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, which can potentially pose health hazards. Personal Protective Equipment is provided. There is further possibility of illness due to frequent contact with the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This employee will travel frequently by automobile to individuals' homes, locations within the community, prisons/secured detention facilities, in order to supervise and investigate the assigned caseload; all of which present a certain amount of physical danger. Physical effort is sometimes required during an arrest.