Job Details

Description

A Juvenile Court Officer’s responsibilities are: 1) to investigate and prepare written documentation and recommendations for the Court; 2) establish, implement and monitor treatment programs; and 3) supervise and counsel assigned minors and their families. The Juvenile Court Officer serves as a liaison between various professionals and agencies providing treatment services.

Essential Functions

1. Conducts investigations on delinquent, neglect, adoption, truancy or emancipation cases initiated on apprehension and/or referral to the Court in order to develop a social history, make observations on the family situation, and develop a case plan and recommendations for each case using approved evaluation tools.
2. Analyzes case histories, observations, other available information and also does a factual investigation of actual charges to determine the problem behavior regarding the child and the parents, and makes recommendations on a treatment program designed to ameliorate or eliminate the problem.
3. Is immediately responsible for the minor's custody or physical placement as soon as a minor enters the Court system.  Recommends appropriate changes of placement to the Judge or referee.  Sets up and monitors all visitations.
4. Provides supervision and counseling of minors and parents regarding family problems and conflicts by conducting weekly face-to-face contacts. These contacts require JCOs to use a structured approach and apply effective intervention practices that are based on cognitive behavioral treatment, social skills training, mindfulness, parenting skills and goal setting. Training and accuracy to adhere to these principles are required and fidelity is monitored by a Juvenile Risk Assessment team member.
5. Prepare comprehensive investigation and hearing reports. Testifies regarding the facts of the charge(s) and makes recommendations to the Judge or referee at disposition. Attends all hearings of assigned minors and parents, both contested and non-contested Preliminary Hearings, Pre-Trial Hearings, Dispositional Hearings, Show-Cause Hearings, and Case Reviews. (of minors on their caseload.)
6. Monitors regular visitations of minors and parents and assesses their academic and Court ordered treatment program's progress. Coordinates program efforts with staff to assure physical and emotional needs are met.
7. Arranges for clothing, medical mental health, and dental care of clients including transportation.
8. Maintains regular contacts with other agencies such as schools, police, public and private social agencies who may have involvement, and visits delinquent minors at the Ingham County Youth Center, Ingham County Jail, or other correctional and youth detention centers as necessary.
9. Maintains a current log of all contacts and keeps case files up-to-date. Prepares a variety of petitions regarding assigned cases. Also serves legal papers such as court orders and summons.
10. Transportation duties include physically transporting clients and/or their families to court facilities, appointments, hearings, community service assignments, institutions or other such places deemed necessary.
11. Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
12. Supervision and evaluation of student interns performing field work responsibilities at the Court. Will complete all necessary evaluations and paperwork to assess progress.
13. Uses independent judgment to screen clients for appropriate treatment programs such as Intensive Probation Services, Michigan State University Mentor Program, Intensive Neglect Services, Horizon Program, Specialty Courts, and various community services agencies.
14. Monitors progress towards Court ordered goals and determines consequences for violating program guidelines or requirements. Consequences can include but are not limited to; community service, tether, request for detention for delinquent youth, or petition for Emergency Removal for neglect parents.

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.

Employment Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or graduation from 4-year college or university required. Training in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Family Sciences or related fields of study highly preferred. Must submit college transcripts.

Experience: Must have a minimum of 24 months previous and related work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth. Experience in dealing with the Michigan Juvenile code helpful. Must have good analytical and public relations skills.

Other Requirements:  

• Manage and learn computer based Court management systems.

• Good critical thinking skills and social perceptiveness.

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.

• Requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

• Strong time management and the ability to multitask over multiple cases and responsibilities.

• Required to own an insured, legal vehicle.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, disability status’, ages, LGBTQIA+ status’ and genders to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions. 

(The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.)

Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Required to visually scan, review and read legal documents to individuals and associated parties during investigations.

• Must be able to listen to statements and make a written record of their findings.

• Use of a standard voice telephone system for communication with the general public is required.

• Must be physically able to access public and private facilities and residential homes.

(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the requirements listed above. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.)

Working Conditions:

• Works in office, school and community conditions.

• May work in various off-site locations throughout the county.

• Exposed to bodily fluids i.e. saliva, urine, blood and feces.

July 2023

OPEIU Family Court 7