Probation Officer - Juvenile Court - Livingston County

Livingston County was named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 5 elected offices, and 5 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Juvenile Services Supervisor, investigates the background of delinquent youth in order to assist the court in determining the most proper disposition of each juvenile case. Supervises, counsels, guides and motivates juvenile probationers and their parents; attempts to modify or eliminate behavioral problems and recidivism; promotes victim restoration, youth development and community safety in accordance with the code of conduct for juvenile probation officers. Makes referrals to other agencies for evaluation or treatment. Responsible for ensuring the disposition of the case is carried out and that court orders are enforced. A focus of this position will be developing and coordinating diversion programs.

Benefits:

• MERS Retirement plan which includes a Defined Benefit & Defined Contribution 401a with an employer match
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment
• Voluntary benefits such as Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital policies
• Employee assistance program

Pay Rate Information:

The Juvenile Court Probation Officer is a full-time, Union position and starting pay is $57,333.12/year. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Court Bargaining Agreement Grade 8 wage scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $68,551.39/year.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily

1. Conducts investigations on delinquent 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 for each case.
2. Analyzes case histories, observations, and other available information, in addition to conducting a factual investigation of actual charges to determine the problem behavior regarding the child and the parents. Makes recommendations on a treatment program designed to improve or eliminate the problem.
3. Utilizes risk and overall functioning assessment tools to determine appropriate level of services.
4. Provides support, preventative and supervisory counseling to all offenders as applicable for individuals placed on probation by court order. Develops and implements individual treatment plans for assigned youths designed to meet short and long-term rehabilitative goals and modifies the plan as appropriate.
5. Attends both contested and non-contested preliminary hearings, pre-trial hearings, dispositional hearings, show cause hearings and case review hearings for the juveniles on assigned caseload. Testifies regarding the facts of the charge(s) and makes recommendations to the judge or referee at disposition.
6. Interviews parents of assigned juveniles and provides advice on how to improve the family situation and resolve conflicts. This may include referral of families to other agencies that may further assist them in dealing with family problems.
7. Makes referrals to and collaborates with appropriate community agencies including but not limited to substance and mental health treatment centers, residential programs, community service work, educational programs, psychological, sexual, and substance abuse evaluations, job placement and training, and various other agencies and services.
8. Maintains a current log of contacts and keeps case files up-to-date. Prepares a variety of petitions regarding assigned cases, in addition to serving legal papers such as court orders and summons.
9. Assists in transportation to include physically transporting clients to and from programs, residential facilities or secure detention as part of therapeutic program participation.     
10. Responds to crisis and emergency situations and determines the most appropriate response, including physical intervention, in accordance with case history, court policies and procedures, court rules and statutes.
11. Responsible for administering urine screens of juveniles, includes collecting urine samples, ensuring safety procedures, and processing, mailing, and evaluating results. Performs chain of custody with regards to the collection of drug screens from clients, which includes handling urine specimens.
12. Evaluates and recommends placement decisions and considers alternatives of care and custody of parent or guardian, detention, foster placement, psychiatric or substance abuse treatment facilities or any other appropriate placement; taking into account the juvenile's needs along with the safety to the community.
13. Plans, assists and monitors community service as ordered.
14. Responsible for monitoring and facilitating specialized treatment programs. Could also co-lead support groups for target populations providing intensive interventions and rehabilitative treatment, in addition to assisting other community service agencies as needed. May be responsible for supervising target-specific populations such as substance abuse, sexual offenders, or those with mental illness.
15. Serves in rotation for on-call duty on nights and week-ends.
16. May substitute for the Intake Hearing Officer/Referee or serve as an on-call referee for preliminary hearings and inquiries, to determine custody of neglect/abuse minors and detention of delinquent youth. Prepares orders, conducts hearings, utilizes audio/video recording equipment, and arranges transportation, placement, and coordination of attorneys, in addition to conferring with an on-call judge per policy.
17. Complies with victim rights laws, including the monitoring and enforcement of restitution orders. Contacts victims to help in identifying the appropriate amount of restitution and/or community service for delinquent juveniles. Responsible for quarterly restitution reviews and sending the crime victim letter as required.
18. Maintains a working relationship with the community in providing juvenile justice prevention and education programming, including substance abuse education.
19. Participates in bi-weekly Drug Treatment Court team staffing and court hearings with a compiled record and status report of juvenile participants. Maintains the written goals, objectives and strategies of the Drug Treatment Court program.
20. Maintains a working knowledge of the juvenile justice field and Drug Treatment Court by attending conferences and workshops.
21. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, criminal justice, educational or behavioral sciences, or a related field that qualifies the person to manage or supervise the delivery of juvenile services and two years of case work experience in juvenile court or a related juvenile justice or child welfare agency.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative number of years and type of work experience.
• Certification by the Michigan Judicial Institute within two years of hire.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of State of Michigan juvenile law, juvenile welfare and development, social work, and counseling.
• Considerable knowledge of the juvenile justice system programs and practices, counseling juveniles, working with at risk juveniles and families, managing juvenile case and petition files, creating and implementing treatments plans for juveniles and applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for those requiring juvenile services including the ability to lead and earn respect.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, children and families and the public.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database use and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in the office and at other work sites, regularly travels between work sites using a motor vehicle. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals, and situations in the course of performing required duties. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to very loud.