Senior Juvenile Probation Officer/POST Certified



JOB CODE: 2218

PAY GRADE: 1200

SALARY RANGE: $39,157 - $66,662

LOCATION OF WORK
Juvenile Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible, professional, supervisory work in assigning, directing, and evaluating a staff of juvenile probation officers. Work involves supervising professional subordinates engaged in office and fieldwork, assessing family's area of need, pre-dispositional investigations, counseling and supervising juvenile offenders placed on supervised probation by the Juvenile Court Judges. Some employees of this class may carry caseloads, may be required to carry a weapon, work various hours, including nights, and ride with police officers to serve warrants, monitor probation conditions, conduct drug screens or arrest juveniles. Employees of this class are commissioned probation officers of Juvenile Court with powers of arrest and all other powers afforded peace officers (as stated in LSA-Cp.C.Art. 116 (22) and Art. 421 (A) and LSA-C.Cr.P. Art 899 (F). Work is reviewed through personal conferences, written reports and results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Supervises casework activities, intake activities, pre-dispositional activities or counseling juvenile offenders and their families; maintains close liaison with employees and provides assistance as needed; assigns casework and performs administrative tasks in the absence of a superior. Reviews, prepares and approves subordinate pre-dispositional summaries, probation reviews and reports, and personnel related documentation; maintains knowledge of cases in progress; conducts in-service training; prepares study material; assigns reading; assists in training new probation officers; attends general staff meetings; confers with various agencies. Formulates, coordinates, and executes plans to safely arrest juvenile offenders who have violated their conditions of supervision and/or have been ordered into custody by a Juvenile Court Judge; works with law enforcement agencies in the prevention of juvenile crime, and through community policing efforts and while performing searches, seizures, or the execution of criminal warrants. 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 and testifies at court hearings when subpoenaed by any court having jurisdiction over an offender; serves notices, subpoenas, writs, and executes orders of Juvenile Court. Collaborates with community resource providers for treatment and rehabilitation service for families. Speaks to school groups and the public concerning department and court related matters; corresponds and meets with counselors from various treatment facilities for informational purposes. Conducts in-service training as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles of supervision, interviewing and investigative techniques and principles, particularly, as they relate to probation work. 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, including the Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; orally to groups and individuals, and in writing routine and complex documents. Ability to supervise and establish effective working relationships with others and deal firmly, tactfully and impartially with people contacted in the course of work. Ability to physically participate in strenuous physical activities (1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, firearms training, aerobic exercises, handcuffing and takedown exercises, etc.) 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

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field, and three years of experience in professional level probation work.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Employees of this class are required to meet minimum physical standards as set forth by the Louisiana Council on Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and must successfully complete and pass a certified P.O.S.T. training program approved by the Louisiana Council within one calendar year from the initial employment or employee will be terminated. Passing the P.O.S.T. examination within one calendar year is a requirement of employment, therefore the probationary period will end after the employee has completed six (6) months of employment and passed the P.O.S.T. examination. Position(s) of this classification may require a valid Louisiana driver's license. If license is required, must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.