Probation Officer (Juvenile Probation Department) - County of Berks

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POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position enforces the orders of the Berks County Juvenile Court, performing a variety of tasks in order to supervise those under the care of the Court or under the informal supervision of the Juvenile Probation Office.  Under Balanced and Restorative Justice principles, juvenile probation officers serve three clients equally: the victim, the offender and the community. This position ensures that youth are held accountable for their behavior to both the victim and the community.  In addition, using evidence-based principles and practices, juvenile probation officers are expected to assist in the development of competencies within youth so that they may become productive, law-abiding members of the community.  Though not essential, this position is expected to utilize bilingual language skills to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients if sufficient proficiency is demonstrated.

Probation officers are required to obtain certification to carry a firearm through the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm and Training Commission within eighteen months from the date of hire or face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.  Candidates for the position shall undergo a psychological evaluation to determine fitness to carry a firearm prior to an offer of employment.

Juvenile probation officer compensation is based upon years of service and job performance.  PO I is typically the entry level pay grade.  PO II may be achieved after three years of service, PO III after eight years and PO IV after twelve years, all promotions requiring satisfactory performance ratings as outlined in the Probation Officer Performance Evaluation.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise youth through a variety of contacts including office, home, school, employment, etc.  Maintain contact with parents/guardians, schools, employers, community agencies and residential facilities.  Contacts to be made during regular office and non-traditional hours.
• Document all case-related contacts and generate reports when necessary in a timely fashion.  Complete all other necessary paperwork as required.
• Enforce the collection and initiate the dispersing of restitution for victims and other monetary obligations to the Court.
• Represent the department in Juvenile Court by presenting both written and verbal information and formally testifying when necessary.
• Participate in the apprehension and transportation of offenders not complying with the terms of their probation supervision, if trained to do so.
• Meet Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission standards of 40 hours of training yearly and assist in the development of new officers through mentoring
• Hold offenders accountable by:  drug testing and making appropriate referrals for drug and alcohol evaluation and/or treatment; referring offenders to community service; making appropriate referrals for outpatient/in-home services and residential treatment; enrollment in electronic monitoring when appropriate and installation of equipment when necessary.
• Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to provide services to offenders.
• Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credits in a behavioral or social science.
• Valid and active Driver’s License, proof of auto insurance and access to a vehicle for employment purposes. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigations, supervision, and reporting in probation work.
• The ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior as it pertains to delinquency, family dynamics, relationships, peer pressure, and drug and alcohol issues.
• The ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the offender, victim, and community.
• Basic skill in the operation of computer software applications preferred.
• Ability to converse in Spanish is not essential for all probation officers but preferred for those designated as having a Spanish speaking caseload.
• The ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to complete Control Tactics training and assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be cooperative, resistive and/or assaultive.
• Ability to complete firearms training and achieve and maintain certification to carry a firearm.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Normal office environment as well as meeting with offenders weekly in their homes, schools, communities and institutional placements during both traditional and non-traditional work hours.
• At times stressful given the hectic workload and nature of the clientele.
• Some work may be performed in targeted high crime areas and as a result, the environment could present an increased safety risk. 
• Travel on a regular basis throughout Berks County providing supervision and occasionally outside of the County for training and institutional visits.     

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.