Juvenile Probation Asst

Assists in providing supervision and counseling to juvenile clients positioned at various stages within the juvenile justice system. Assists in supervising and monitoring all aspects of clients case related to conditions of probation including visits with clients family and other significant contacts. Assists in conducting 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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification assists in providing supervision to clients who are within various phases of the juvenile justice system. This classification performs duties of the most routine nature and type and typically performs duties in training together with a higher-level staff member. 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.

• Assists in conducting 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 individuals environmental employment financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case. Assists in making recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and preparing probation plans.
• Assists in supervising and monitoring juveniles on probation through regular home school and office visits and other needed contacts. Determines the needs of the client and family and assists in developing supervision plans for clients.
• Assures clients understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the courts order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation. Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action. Assists in coordinating case management with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies.
• 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.
• Assists in preparing 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.
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies.
• Transports clients to other facilities as required.
• May assist in developing client placement plans including completing placement applications purchasing clothing obtaining medical and psychological reports and maintaining contact with clients in placement.
• May assist in providing individual and crisis intervention counseling as required.
• May conduct urinalysis request and execute warrants obtain consents and other required paperwork.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Associates degree in Criminal Justice Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND one (1) year experience in social services criminal justice or related field;
OR
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses Registrations Certifications or Special Requirements:
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Certification as a Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification 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 technique).
Valid Texas Drivers License.

Preferred:
Spanish Speaking preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies practices procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal State Local and County applicable laws rules regulations guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Computer equipment to include word processing spreadsheets databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

• Gather analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed hostile and aggressive individuals.
• Manage time well perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• 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.

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.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday.
Maybe required to work morning or late evenings has the option to work additional time in Detention or Residential

Location:2515 S Congress Ave. Austin TX 78704

Department:Juvenile Probation

Criminal Driving Education and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position contact:

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.