Juvenile Probation Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

Carries out court orders relating to the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of juveniles under the jurisdiction of the court.   Provides counseling services and assists juveniles and their families in finding workable solutions to day-to-day problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ability to supervise caseloads of 40 to 60 juvenile offenders.

Counsels parents and/or juveniles regarding youthful offender problems.

Appear in court 3 to 4 times a week prepared to give recommendations and dispositions concerning juvenile offenders. 

Visit both County and City schools weekly to help assist with school issues involving probationers.   

Administer drug screens. 

Conduct home visits, investigations and crisis interventions. 

Assist law enforcement officials in investigating juvenile crimes; presents court testimony. 

Attend Georgia Association of Independent Juvenile Courts Conferences. 

Assist in transportation of youth to various appointments. 

Prepare a monthly report for Judges and Chief Probation Officer that give status of overall caseload. 

Prepare a monthly report on our monthly Pathfinders staffing.  Pathfinders is our sexual perpetrator group.  

Sit in as a Court representative on the Child Fatality Review Committee. 

Attend monthly staffing meetings for Match Committee. 

Prepares type files and maintain various juvenile records, including information on social histories, contacts or referrals, planned treatment, and progress. 

Speak to civic organizations, schools, churches, and youth groups as requested. 

Prepare and maintain probation lists, files and records including restitution to victims.

Conduct weekly reading groups for youthful offenders.

Conduct weekly truancy group for youthful offenders.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Car

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Juvenile (Criminal) Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Education or related field.

One year juvenile court experience and/or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above. 

Must have good communication skills, self-motivation and be able to work on their own. 

Bilingual skills (Spanish and English) desirable. .

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Class I Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal laws, practices and procedures for youthful offenders desirable.

Knowledge of individual, group, and family counseling tech­niques a plus.

Knowledge of available agencies and resources available to clients and their families.

Ability to gain trust of and establish rapport with clients.

Ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to plan and administer effective rehabilitation pro­grams.

ADA Minimum Requirements:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.   The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.