Job Details

Juvenile Probation Officer

• $50,548 - $67,740/ Year
• Full Benefits Package

Duties:

• Performs juvenile casework for the Berrien County Trial Court-Family Division.
• Conducts investigatory processes to gather information about a youth and family.
• Provides dispositional recommendations to assist the Court with appropriate offender disposition.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment and counseling plans to assist and guide probationers and their families in rehabilitation efforts.
• Supervises probationers to increase assurance they follow court ordered probation terms and conditions.
• Documents organized contact with child, parents, schools, police and other agencies to verify information, obtain reports, monitor progress and complete evaluations of court-engaged youth.
• Recommends social services agencies, community organizations or treatment programs based on need and in compliance with terms of probation.
• Provides testimony as an officer of the court; collects samples or specimens to test for alcohol or substance abuse.
• Recruits, investigates and makes recommendations regarding licensing of shelter and foster homes.
• Conducts training sessions with foster parents.
• Transports juveniles to hearings, other agencies, foster homes or placements.
• Coordinates a panel of volunteers and manages cases assigned to the Community Restorative Board.
• This description is intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, behavioral science or related field and a minimum of one year paid full time experience working with youth within the juvenile court system or social service agency.
• Master's degree in one of the aforementioned programs and two years of casework in a juvenile court or related child welfare agency preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license and personal auto insurance.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing and background check prior to employment.
• Employees will be fingerprinted and subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court’s policy.
• May be assigned to work at any Berrien County Trial Court location during employment.
• Individual will be required as necessary to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Will be required to complete the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) juvenile probation officer certification training within two years of employment.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, laws and procedures pertaining to probation activities, casework supervision, counseling skills and techniques, community service process and substance abuse.
• Knowledge of the criminal law component of the Michigan court system.
• Working knowledge of developmental and child psychology, family dynamics, behavioral disorders and appropriate interventions.
• Computer literacy, organization skills, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with diverse populations are essential.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and effective working relationships with other employees.
• Must have the ability to interact effectively with the general public.

Working Conditions:

• Employees will work in a normal office environment.
• May be required to lift up to 25 pounds; reach and bend; and sit or stand for a prolonged period of time.
• May perform work in an environment that involves a moderate degree of hazard, with exposure to persons charged or adjudicated of criminal offenses.
• May manage juvenile probation cases off-site within a school or other agency setting.