Chief Probation Officer- 4th Juvenile

Under general direction of the Court Executive, manages the operations of the probation functions within a juvenile court district. Oversees evaluation, development, and implementation of services and programs. The position may be under filled both in terms of the scope of supervisory responsibility and/or supervisory experience required. Duties may be adjusted to temporarily or permanently:

Includes supervision of personnel

Include additional on-the job training requirements such as mentoring by executive staff members, shadowing, and attendance in district and statewide management meetings

Include additional duties in oversight of contracts and implementation of policies

Include additional duties in coordinating and training district probation employees in EBP, CARE, E-records, etc.

Example of Duties:
Oversees administrative functions of the unit, ensure compliance with policies and procedures and provides directives for the activities of the Probation Officers.

Actively participates in the selection and performance management process which includes evaluating performance, identifying goals and objectives, recognizing staff achievements, and coaching staff in overcoming performance or skill deficiencies.

Provides and facilitates training to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff in support of the Probation Officer career track.

Facilitates case processing as needed and ensures staff compliance with laws, rules, district and state policies.

Coordinates and fosters positive and productive relationships with representative of allied agencies.

Participates in regular management and judicial meetings and facilitates staff meetings.

Maintains a positive environment that is responsive to the needs of court personnel, patrons, and community partners.

Evaluates and reports to management the effectiveness of new and/or existing programs and services; consistent with the vision and mission of the Juvenile Court, secures program funding from budget and grant sources.

Identifies required staffing levels; assists the court executive with budget preparation and monitoring; may manage a local court facility, input on leases and maintenance agreements; may manage inventory and purchasing of equipment.

May provide probation service as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications:
(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

Graduation from an accredited institution with Bachelor’s degree preference in Psychology, Sociology, Child Development, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Educational Psychology, Education and consideration for other related degrees.

Minimum of 4 years probation experience

Minimum of 2 years professional supervisory experience in probation or another juvenile justice field, specifically in personnel management.

Demonstrated supervisory skills and abilities including performance management.

Candidates with a Master’s degree may be given preference.

Must demonstrate understanding of Motivational Interviewing techniques and stages of change.

Must demonstrate understanding with Evidence Based Practices.

Must demonstrate an understanding of court organization in the Judicial Branch of government, the function of the Judicial Council, the organization and philosophy of the Juvenile Court system, and the Juvenile Court Act.

Must demonstrate effective management and leadership practices.

Deescalate and manage stressful/threatening situations; make critical judgements and arrive at objective decisions; ability to influence compliance with clients and employees, and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.

Understanding of case processing procedures, the role of probation functions, and the relationship of Juvenile Court to allied agencies and other treatment services.

Prior to the end of the first year, the Chief must complete Case Planning I, II, and III, a video demonstrating proficiency in Motivational Interviewing techniques and all written exams. The position may be under filled both in terms of the scope of supervisory responsibility and/or supervisory experience required. Duties may be adjusted to temporarily or permanently:

Includes supervision of personnel

Include additional on-the job training requirements such as mentoring by executive staff members, shadowing, and attendance in district and statewide management meetings

Include additional duties in oversight of contracts and implementation of policies

Include additional duties in coordinating and training district probation employees in EBP, CARE, E-records, etc.