Juvenile Probation Officer Iii (Probation Services; Grant Funded)

Job Summary The mission of the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is to provide for public safety by effectively addressing the needs of juveniles, families, and the victims of crime. Travis County Juvenile Probation is seeking a Juvenile Probation Officer to work with youth in court-ordered treatment for sexual behavior problems within the Probation Services Division. The officers within this team are responsible for providing specialized supervision and case management to youth and families, to include linkage to social services. For this opportunity, we are looking for an individual with experience collaborating with community providers, being solution-focused and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. The Juvenile Probation Officer III provides supervision and counseling to juvenile clients positioned at various stages within the juvenile justice system. Supervises and monitors all aspects of client's case related to conditions of probation, including visits with client's family and other significant contacts. Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with clients to assist in sentencing, explains conditions of probation, and assists clients in meeting terms of probation. Documents client behavior for use within the juvenile justice system. May supervise specialized caseload of clients. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the fourth in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification provides supervision to clients who are within various phases of the juvenile justice system. This classification is distinguished from the Juvenile Probation Officer Lead in that incumbents do not have lead responsibilities. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department. Duties and Responsibilities

• 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. May supervise specialized caseload of clients.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies.
• Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sentencing, treatment, custody release, suspension of sentence, release into treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
• 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 with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies. May serve as liaison with court system on higher-level departmental issues.
• Provides input into revising and updating policies and procedures.
• Appears and testifiesin court, conducts urinalysis, requests and executes warrants, obtains consents and other required paperwork.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• 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 Environment & Other Information Physical requirements include the ability to lift/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 the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. Work Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM; Monday through Friday. Location: 2515 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78744. Department: Juvenile Probation Criminal Background Check, Physical Exam, Drug Test, Driving Record, Psychological Test, Education, and Employment history check required.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information. Skill in:
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Provides direct supervision of all clients' daily activities when working in secure facilities, including maintaining accountability of all clients and equipment and ensuring that the environment is safe, clean and secure; ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior. Implements corrective discipline plans and programs, as required; facilitates cognitive skill groups and relaxation training for clients; provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required; documents clients' behavior and enters into department computer information system; monitors security and fire alarm systems, including closed circuit monitors; maintains communication with facility posts; maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care; physically restrains aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required; may assist in investigating incidents involving clients.
• Training, supervising and reviewing the work of others.
• Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND three (3) years of experience in case management, a social service, community corrections or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age. Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques). Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish Knowledge of:
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Transports clients to other facilities, as required.
• Develops client placement plans, including completing placement applications, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports, and maintaining contact with clients in placement.
• Interviewing clients.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• 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 and criminal records and makes assessments regarding the nature of the individual's environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case. Makes recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and prepares probation plans.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice.
• 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.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Both verbal and written communication. Ability to:
• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.
• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.