JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER I

This is social service work at the entry level providing counseling, guidance and supervision to juveniles on probation and their families. Work includes gathering information, determining assistance needed by the client, and contacting various agencies for such service. A position in this class is assigned a caseload of individuals on a geographic basis. Assignments increase in scope and complexity, including the greater breadth of approaches undertaken, as the employee develops experience and skill in the field. A position in this class is differentiated from those in related classes by the incumbent's responsibility for carrying out assigned duties, the greater oversight due to less experience in the field and the juvenile clientele. An employee in this class reports to a supervisory probation officer.TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)Gathers information from the juvenile and other sources including family members, school personnel, police and other social service agencies; administers assessment instrument; develops a supervision plan for each client based on the data collected and type of probation ordered by the Court; meets with clients in the office and in the field; determines activities and problems; assists clients in resolving same; determines conformance with probation requirements; informs client of effects of failure to follow such requirements; contacts community-based counseling and social service agencies to arrange for treatment; monitors results. Arranges for Court dates, hearings, and related matters, completing necessary Court forms; meets with clients and families to explain proceedings and results; presents testimony and necessary documents; prepares investigative case reports; completes necessary forms for client's detention; informs all parties of hearing, result, reason for detention and location of facility. Assists in the apprehension and detention of clients in violation of the terms of their probation; coordinates arrangements for placement of a juvenile in a residential treatment program; evaluates needs of client and recommends facility; discusses goals and objectives of such placement with clients and families. Documents all contacts; gathers and records factual data on each client; attends seminars, meeting and conferences to expand knowledge and expertise in the field; arranges for or transports clients to and from appointments; reviews victim claim form and recommends amount of restitution to the Court; establishes payment plan and contacts victim to explain terms of restitution. Performs related work as required.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of casework principles and practices. Knowledge of counseling methods and techniques pertaining to juvenile offenders and their families.Basic knowledge of the principles and policies of the juvenile justice probation system including laws, statutes, and legal precedents. Basic knowledge of individual and group behavior including that of individuals involved in delinquent or other unacceptable behavior. Basic knowledge of available community resources dealing with social, psychological, medical, economic, and other elements affecting juveniles. Ability to learn specific County rules and regulations of juvenile probation work. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others.Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, members of the judiciary, co-workers, representatives of other Court and County offices and the public. Ability to manage and organize caseload assignments and prioritize work.ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:Education equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree program with major course work in psychology, social work, counseling or a closely related field. Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.