November 7, 2024

Cameron County

San Benito

FULL TIME

JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER

JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER

SALARY: $ 47,824.00 annual salary

REPORTS TO:

Designated Administrator and/or designee

SUPERVISES:

N/A

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND a minimum of one (1) year experience preferred in direct juvenile care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or other related field.

Licenses, Certificates, and Experience

Must be over twenty-one (21) years of age (for state certification requirements);
Current Texas Driver's License and must have an automobile with current automobile insurance;
Ability to communicate effectively (reading, writing, and understanding) in English; knowledge of Spanish is preferred;
Able to submit to a drug urinalysis pre-screening exam and pass a criminal background check. If the candidate for employment does have a criminal record, it must be cleared through the requirements as set forth by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;

After Hire Licenses or Certificates

Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire;
Must meet the requirements to become a Certified Juvenile Probation Officer in Texas which include: completing a minimum of 80 training hours covering the topics mandated by TJJD and pass the automated certification exam for juvenile probation officers. The officer will be given two opportunities to pass the exam.
Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification and First Aid (FA);
Handle with Care (HWC) State Approved Restraint Technique Certification

TYPICAL DUTIES

Conducts investigations on the background of each case, which includes interviewing clients, their families and other significant contacts. Reviews documentation, such as police reports, court transcripts, criminal records, school records and attendance, home environment, mental stability and general attitude of the client to make assessments regarding the nature of the individual's environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case. Makes recommendations for adjudication and disposition of probationer and prepares probation case plans.
Supervises and monitors juveniles on probation through regular home, school and office visits and other needed contacts. Determines the needs of the client and family and develops supervision plans for clients.
Perform timely Home, School and Curfew Checks as required by the Level of Supervision assigned on the Case and Case Plan Review
Assures client's understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the court's order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation. Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action. Coordinates case management and referrals with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies.
Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.
Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals. Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol, drug, mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs.
Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sanction, treatment, custody release, release from treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
Develops client Case, Review and Exit Plans as mandated by the Texas Family Code.
In preparation for placement, transport to medical appointments, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports for court proceedings.
Appears and testifies in court, conducts urinalysis, requests and executes Directives to Apprehend, obtains consents and other required paperwork.
Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies and procedures.
Transport clients to off-site locations, as required.
MUST BE AVAILABLE for all emergencies to include, but not limited to: inclement weather, taking children into custody, transporting probation youths to placement or emergency release facilities, doctor(s) office(s) as directed by Supervisor.
If needed may be required to obtain additional training in order to be dual certified as a Juvenile Supervision Officer (JSO).
Must be available to assist Pre and Post facilities in the supervision of residents in the event there is a staff shortage or an emergency due to unforeseen circumstances which may include shift work.
May be required to provide direct supervision of all resident's daily activities, including but not limited to the education program, basic arts and crafts, outdoor activities all while maintaining safety and order of all residents. In addition at times there may be the requirement to provide one-to-one supervision where appropriate to ensure the safety of youth including moderate or high risk suicide risk observation.
Properly apply a physical restraint as instructed by Handle With Care, when a juvenile is physically harming themselves or others, property damage over $50 and/or attempting to escape.
A JPO shall not initiate or maintain an inappropriate relationship with any juvenile under the supervision of the CCJJD. An inappropriate relationship can include but is not limited to bribery, solicitation of gifts, favors or services from the resident or their families and/or any actions that could be construed as an inappropriate relationship.
Adhere, maintain, and comply with professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with the standards and policies and procedures expected by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), TJJD, Cameron County, and Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department (CCJJD) at all time, both on duty and off duty.
Adhere and comply with all PREA standards and will follow zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment while conducting business in the pre and post-adjudication facilities.
Adhere and comply with all TJJD standards to include Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) standards and cooperate with all ANE investigations.
Adhere and comply CCJJD's and Cameron County's policies and procedures and know how to keep abreast of any changes to said policies and procedures, including maintaining an effective safety program as established by Cameron County.
Abide by all federal, state, and local laws; the nature of our profession requires being a good role model and setting a good example at all times.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Employment is contingent upon federal, state, local and/or grants availability.
CCJJD is an At-Will employer; the department has the right to terminate your employment for any legal reason, or no reason, at any time either with or without notice.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
Applicable Juvenile Justice System standards and procedures.
Standard practices in area of assignment.
General knowledge of providing trauma-informed care, establishing appropriate relationships, and social adjustment.
Standard counseling techniques
Safety and security techniques and standards.
Physical restraint techniques to prevent self-injurious and assaultive behavior and escape.

Skills In:

Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
Problem solving and decision making.
Interviewing clients
Both verbal and written communication.
Basic Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages

Ability To:

Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
Required to possibly work different schedules in order to meet the needs of the program.
Stand for long periods of time depending on the assignment you have been given.
Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Reason and make judgments and decisions.
Maintain client and program confidentiality.
Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
Perform handle with care restraint technique
Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
Submit written documentation clearly, accurately, and impartially.
Perform effectively and courteously in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other county employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

WORK ENVIORNMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment:

Tobacco free environment.
Absolutely no electronic devices or cell phones allowed in the pre or post-adjudication facilities while either on/off shift.
Moderate travel with little or no notice (emergency transport) requiring additional hours after scheduled shift and/or overnight stays may be required for transports or training.
Subject to contact with communicable diseases, hazardous waste, human fecal manner and foul odors.
Must be able to work in high noise level environment.
Position involves a range of activities, from sitting at a desk for several hours to conducting home visits, school checks and curfew checks. While conducting these visits, all rules and guidelines of the juvenile probation department's policy regarding office safety will be followed. Communication via cell phone and/or assigned portable radio will be adhered to at all times.
At no time, will the review or use of social media be allowed while on duty, and/or on County provided electronic equipment, except in limited situations where such activity is work related and is authorized by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee.

Physical Demands:

Physical requirements include the ability to life/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform essential functions.
May require occasional search and apprehension of clients

Work Uniforms:

Must adhere to the CCJJD Dress Code Policy
If visible tattoos, sleeves or cover ups must be worn.
Sets the example regarding personal appearance with regards to hair being neatly trimmed and combed.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits:
Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER