Probation Counselor II

This position works within the Probation Division and provides case management services and supervision of youth ordered on probation by the court. It monitors compliance with court‑ordered conditions and requirements, completes court‑ordered investigations, writes reports, attends court hearings, and makes recommendations for disposition. It administers validated assessment tools such as the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI), uses information to develop case service plans with the participation of the youth and family to address areas of risk and needs, employs a variety of counseling techniques and evidence‑based interventions during probation contacts—including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral interventions—to facilitate behavior change. It works under the general supervision of the unit director, makes referrals for appropriate treatment or services when necessary, utilizes least restrictive interventions while building upon the youth and family’s natural supports, works collaboratively with other agencies and service providers, uses graduated sanctions when appropriate to address non‑compliant behavior in lieu of formal court action, and incentives when desired behavior is demonstrated. It files probation and/or court‑order violations and returns cases to court for non‑compliance when appropriate. It supervises and visits youth at home, school, juvenile detention centers, treatment programs, and residential facilities, follows policies and procedural guidelines set by the agency and the state Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and may require frequent travel throughout Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. It may be required to provide short‑term case management and supervision of cases diverted from Juvenile Intake, and other duties as assigned by the Unit Director. Counseling and Treatment Services Conduct intake interviews and supervise offenders/defendants through office and home visits to verify compliance with court‑orders. Formulate treatment or rehabilitation plans and present written or oral recommendations for adjustment of behavior. Supervise and monitor community service requirements; schedule payments, collect court costs and restitution; monitor urine tests. Supervise visits or exchanges according to court orders or other relevant agreements. Provide intensive supervision/monitoring, counseling and treatment of juvenile and adult offenders. Interview juvenile or adult offenders, their families and related persons to determine the nature of the adjustment difficulty. Refer offenders/defendants to other agencies or facilities as needed and maintain liaison with service providers to coordinate evaluations. Conduct field investigations. Testify in court and provide required written reports on adjustment and compliance to courts. Document and maintain prescribed records of casework services and periodically compile related statistics. Aid clients in obtaining employment. Arrange for the court appearance of the client and family. Inform clients of available community resources. Arrange appointments for medical examinations and psychological testing. Cooperate with representatives from State and local social service and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest. Compose and dictate case records, petitions and correspondence. Intake Officer Provide intake services, determine probable cause, issues related to jurisdiction, venue and appropriateness of filing petitions and/or issuance of detention or shelter care orders; review complaints filed by law enforcement and citizens, conduct assessments to determine appropriateness for diversion. Case manage diversion clients. Decide in compliance with the Code of Virginia, and Department of Juvenile Justice and/or Court Services Unit policies and procedures. Residential Services Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs. Ensure that residents maintain behavioral norms. Coordinate and implement a residential program area such as recreational, educational or employment activities. May drive a passenger van for educational and recreational trips. Maintain on‑going contact/communication with victims and witnesses during investigation and judicial proceedings. Work with and assist the officers and detectives within a district station assignment with the victim services and referrals. Provide court accompaniment to crime victim and witnesses for all court proceedings in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and Circuit Courts. Respond to call‑outs to crime scenes and other locations to provide immediate crisis intervention and support. Provide training to departmental staff, commonwealth attorneys, judicial staff, and other relevant community organizations. Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) Case Management Services Work with court‑referred clients who have been charged/convicted of impaired driving offenses and first‑time drug offenders. Maintain a caseload of court‑referred and volunteer clients. Interview clients during intake process and assign appropriate program classification. Write intake summary on each client interviewed. Conduct case management duties to include monitoring of ignition interlock and administration of alcohol breath tests. Monitor clients progress and make referral as needed. Write and prepare reports to the courts, clients and treatment providers. Testify in court on non‑compliant cases, make appropriate recommendations when requested by the judge. Victims Services Provide supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime involved in the criminal justice system—including emotional support, financial assistance, counseling, and victim agency referrals. Maintain on‑going contact/communication with victims and witnesses during investigation and judicial proceedings, and provide notifications of investigative activity or case developments as needed. Provide court accompaniment to crime victim and witnesses for all court proceedings in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and Circuit Courts. Reduce delays in bringing cases to court by assisting in determining availability of victims and witnesses. Respond to call‑outs to crime scenes and other locations to provide immediate crisis intervention and support, refer clients to related supportive services and agencies. Operate a county vehicle to provide the effective delivery of services to victims and witnesses including transporting victims and witnesses to court hearings, commonwealth’s attorneys meetings and other court related appointments. Provide assistance by administering and providing services designed to enhance coordination among agencies operating within the criminal justice system. Work with and assist the officers and detectives within their district station assignment or the criminal investigations bureau with the proper victim services and referrals. Encourage citizen awareness and participation through public information and education. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of casework supervision practices and procedures. Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology. Knowledge of current social and economic conditions. Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information. Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work and victim services. Ability to interview and counsel clients. Ability to prepare complete case records and reports. Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or education plus two years of professional experience in probation work, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or counseling. A master's degree in the disciplines above may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Certificates and Licenses Required Valid Driver's License (Required at the time of application) Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) (within 6 months) Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS) (within 1 year) Necessary Special Requirements The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer: Criminal Background Investigation Child Protective Services Registry Check Sanction Screenings Driving Record Check Preferred Qualifications Experience in the use of evidence‑based tools to assess needs of clients and their families. Experience in interviewing families and collecting collateral information in order to write pre‑dispositional reports and to make recommendations to a Judge in a courtroom setting. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work with a diverse clientele of different ethnicities and socio‑economic statuses. Ability to work and make decisions independently with minimal supervision. Experience with cross‑agency collaboration and working with other service providers. Knowledge of local community‑based resources for youth and families, and experience accessing services through the Comprehensive Services Act. Knowledge of the Code of Virginia, Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) standards, and local court service unit policy and procedures. Fully proficient in the use of DJJ's Balance Approach Data Gathering Environment (BADGE) or experience using other case management software. Prior experience as a Juvenile Probation Officer is preferred. Physical Requirements Duties require the ability to access client's home and other locations (i.e., work sites) as necessary to conduct background interviews and supervision meetings. Visual and auditory acuity is required to read computer monitor; incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Duties may require the ability to transport youth/adults to placement interviews, occasional medical appointments, or other necessary appointments. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Selection Procedure Panel interview and may include practical exercise. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fairfax County