Unit Manager - Juvenile Probation

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.
This position performs complex work related to providing direction, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, and managing the activities of a team. This position requires knowledge of how to sustain evidence-based practices (EBP’s), including: Functional Family Probation, Effective Practices in Correctional Settings II, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency, Moral Reconation Therapy, and the Juvenile Risk Assessment. This position is under moderate supervision.
Hours of Work

• Monday through Friday as well as on-call responsibilities.

• Leads a Team of dedicated, professional, juvenile probation officers.
• Evaluates the work of employees and takes appropriate action in personnel matters.
• Reviews, interprets, and evaluates cases to ensure compliance with court and department standards.
• Regularly audit cases. Reads through case notes and case files to ensure that officers are properly scoring risk assessments, effectively using EBP modalities, creating appropriate case plans, and working with clients to maximize their opportunities for success.
• Prepares correspondence and reports.
• Designs strategies and sets goals for employee growth.
• Participates in department training, employee development, and community education activities.
• Trains and develops employees.
• Attends case staffing and makes recommendations.
• Attends and participates in meetings to keep current on laws and policies regarding the field of probation.
• Participates in interviews and makes recommendations for hiring and transfers.

• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Advanced interpersonal, managerial, and leadership skills necessary to provide effective guidance to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, management, appointed department heads, elected officials and vendors.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Able to prepare moderately complex documents utilizing various computer applications related to work. Operating and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copies, facsimile machines, telephone systems.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Strong understanding of the juvenile justice system including federal, state, local laws and ordinances related to the area of assignment.
• General knowledge of evidence-based practices in the field of criminal justice.
• Collaboration skills while working in a team environment.
• Knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to research, compile and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.

• Two or more years of employment in Probation/Court Services
• Candidates for this position are required to have two years of related experience, preferably at a senior level. Candidates must also apply to the AOIC for certification in a “Supervisory” position. This certification is required by AOIC for promotion eligibility. The following is a link to the required form:
• Experience working with youth in a juvenile justice setting preferred.
• Bachelors’ Degree in criminal justice, social services, or a related field

• Resident of Illinois
• A citizen of the United States
• Valid Illinois driver's license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and a check of the child abuse registry.