Juvenile Probation Officer

JOB CODE: 2214

PAY GRADE: 1140

SALARY RANGE: $29,219 - $49,743

LOCATION OF WORK
Juvenile Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of a Senior Juvenile Probation Officer, performs professional office or field work in pre-dispositional investigations, counsels and supervises juvenile offenders placed on supervised probation by Juvenile Court Judges. Work involves the collection, examination and evaluation of information obtained through office and fieldwork interviews in determining the appropriate action and/or recommendations for disposition of assigned cases. Work may also involve evaluating and monitoring delinquent cases and families of juvenile offenders, and occasionally reviewing other Probation Officer casework files. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Interviews and counsels a caseload of juvenile offenders on supervised probation; monitors compliance with conditions specified by Juvenile Court Judges; monitors offenders electronically and through the use of office, field, jail, facility and school visits; monitors and evaluates service provider facilities to ensure delivery of services; monitors arrest activity from law enforcement agencies reports. Formulates and supervises Informal Adjustment Agreements; schedules, conducts, negotiates and formulates Informal Family Services Plan Agreements; monitors implementation and compliance with plan; prepares and updates an Offender's Classification Scale; makes referrals to appropriate service provider; conducts mandatory conferences with clients and appropriate service agencies. Conducts initial evaluations and screening of juvenile misdemeanor and felony offenders; conducts substance abuse, risk/needs and sexual adjustment assessments by the use of diagnostic tools; conducts treatment, educational and clinical programs for prevention and rehabilitation of offenders and/or families; and investigates complaints alleging a family is in need of services (FINS). Attends court with juveniles and their families for hearings; informs offenders of all available services; transports probationers to and from treatment facilities; attends and testifies at court hearings when subpoenaed by any court having jurisdiction over an offender; serves writs, and executes orders of Juvenile Court. Speaks to school groups and the general public concerning court related matters; corresponds and meets with counselors from various treatment facilities or schools for informational purposes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and principles, particularly as they relate to probation work. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Knowledge of the procedures, practices and methods used and of the agencies and institutions involved in the service and execution of juvenile and criminal justice processes. Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances related to juvenile probation, particularly the Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Knowledge of various state and local social agencies and treatment facilities that provide mental, health, vocational and legal services to law violators or related persons. Skill in the use of modern office equipment, such as: the telephone, copier, typewriter, computer terminal and related peripherals. Ability to recognize, analyze and understand the psychological and sociological problems of the socially maladapted person, substance abuser, or domestic violence offender and related problems and characteristics of an individual with substance abuse problems or abusive behavior problems. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally to groups, and to individuals, and in the writing of routine reports, records and letters. Ability to deal firmly, tactfully, and impartially with people contacted in the course of the work. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS