General Description

This position monitors and supervises youth on juvenile probation returning from residential placement or on a specialized caseload. Conducts appropriate screenings, assessments, referrals, and follow-up of youth on his/her caseload. Ensures the completion of court and case documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Fulfills on-call rotation duty. Assists with youth's transition from residential placement to their home, community, and school campus. Duties includes but are not limited to assisting with community referrals, eligibility screening, data entry, medical/dental appointment coordination, transporting youth, and participating in multi-disciplinary team meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

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  Fulfill all duties related to his/her assignment as directed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. This includes, but is not limited to, all policies in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), Texas Family Code, Texas Education Code, Bell County Employee Handbook, Bell County Juvenile Services, and Facility policies and procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: supervision of residents assigned to the Program, paperwork, transportation (as needed), etc.
• Keep the Area Supervisor advised of all critical situations that may arise, working as a team with all personnel.
• Always maintain his/her appearance and appropriate professional behavior.
• Address behavioral issues/concerns to ensure compliance and understanding while fostering a proactive and positive environment.
• Assist staff during any situation that requires the use of Handle with Care (the Department/program recognized physical restraint/behavior modification system) and the department approved behavior management program.
• Duties include, but are not limited to: the supervision of youths on his/her specialized caseload, intake, case planning, attending hearings, making recommendations to the court, paperwork, making home and school visits, face-to-face visits with youth, making referrals, transporting clients, and random curfew checks, etc.
• Arrange for coverage of his/her caseload when officer is out of the office.
• Will conduct intake and detention hearings assigned by Area Supervisor.
• Monitor compliance with court orders, deferred prosecution rules, and conditions of release.
• Make arrangements for all youth on supervision to attend counseling groups as assigned and make referrals as needed.
• Maintain contact with youth to ensure that restitution monies are accounted for and insures that all personnel needing information on restitution are kept informed.
• Refer all felonies, serious misdemeanors, and probation violations to the Juvenile County Attorney and obtain a signed case disposition.
• Visit probationer's employer if probation officer's presence does not jeopardize the probationer's job.
• Ensure that random curfew checks are made.
• Updates case information in JCMS as needed (i.e., change of address, new offense, etc.).
• Fulfills duties related to the JPO and JSO on-call rosters.
• Prepare and participate in case staffing, placement reviews, and transition meetings.
• Must be available to attend/provide training sessions during new hire training academies and be available to provide training as needed and/or in conjunction with the Training Coordinator.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Department Chain of Command.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree preferred but not required.
• Must have bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by Coordinating Board, Texas College, and University system; and
• Must have either
  • One year of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling in social work, psychology, sociology, or related field that has been approved by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, or
  • One-year experience in full-time casework or counseling in a social service, community correctional or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and proof of adequate liability insurance.
• Must have a personal vehicle that is dependable for day-to-day transportation.
• Must possess physical stamina to handle potential physical outbursts of violent youth and be able to restrain a youth who is resisting.
• Must have the ability to work with a diverse population.
• Must be of good moral character.
• No staff member may possess, while on duty, any firearm, illegal weapons, or chemical agents.
  

Other Qualifications:

Regular attendance is essential. Incumbent must arrive at work on time, prepared to perform assigned duties and work assigned schedule. Incumbent must have the ability to work well with others. Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves and others. Must be able to effectively use computer software and data systems. Bell County will conduct background checks that will include a criminal background check and may include motor vehicle records, employment records or educational attainment. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Individual positions may vary slightly in function and requirement.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.