Probation Officer Jobs

Under direction, performs probation services involving juvenile delinquents; investigates the background of delinquent youth in order to assist the court in determining the most appropriate disposition for each case; assists assigned probationers in addressing the issues that brought them to the attention of the court; performs related duties as assigned.

Provides case management services to juveniles on probation to prevent future delinquency.
Interviews parents, children, complainants, police, neighbors, teachers, clergy and other parties concerned to determine economic, home, social and other background conditions affecting the child involved.
Compiles social history, uses assessment tools, and prepares appropriate treatment plans based on information gathered.
Maintains accurate case histories, records, reports and other documentation.
Makes disposition and treatment recommendations to the court.
Initiates court proceedings for a change in treatment plan and/or placement of child when original plan has been unsuccessful.
Prepares court reports; attends court hearings on probationer status and progress.
Refers probationers/families to appropriate community service treatment resources for substance abuse, mental health, or other related issues or problems.
Provides guidance to probationers/families and suggests ways to work toward accomplishing their goals.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• A minimum of two years of related work experience, such as juvenile probation, case management, or mental health counseling
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or Sociology, or a related field

Preferred Education and Experience

Required Licenses or Certifications

Knowledge of:

• Assessment tools to determine areas of need or concern
• Report writing
• Substance abuse and mental health treatment resources
• Methods for adequate time management
• Symptoms and behaviors associated with alcohol and substance abuse, mental health problems or issues, anti-social behaviors, and physical/family abuse
• Methods for accurately documenting case notes and maintaining court records
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Motivational interviewing techniques
• Local community service agencies and resources
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Methods of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Social service practices

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• De-escalation methods
• Effective listening and directed communications and motivational interviewing
• Report writing and documentation
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Operating personal computer with current office related software

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Communicate and interact with the public in a professional manner
• Work independently
• Be compassionate and empathize with the client's situation
• Build and maintain a rapport with probationer, family, law enforcement, employment, educational, community service and other providers or persons involved
• Assess potential personal danger and threats to own safety
• Write detailed reports and communications
• Evaluate and maintain case progress notes, maintain appropriate records and documentation
• Assess and identify substance abuse, mental illness, patterns of self-destructive behaviors and other problematic conditions
• Diffuse and de-escalate crisis situations
• Maintain the confidentiality of information
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Testify under oath in court as necessary
• Analyze and summarize the facts and other information

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously