Juvenile Probation Officer

SENECA COUNTY JUVENILE COURT

103 East Market Street

Tiffin, Ohio 44883

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

 

Job Title:                     Probation Officer

Department:               Seneca County Juvenile Court

Report To:                  Judge/ Court Administrator/ Director of Court Services

Hours:                         Full-time:  35 hours per week

Employment:               Unclassified/Non-Exempt

Salary:                        Based on experience and qualifications

Posted:                        January 13, 2025

Deadline:                     February 14, 2025

 

Seneca County Juvenile Court is taking applications for the position of Probation Officer.

Job Responsibility:

To direct and guide youth placed under probation services to:

• Improve their behavior and outlook
• Develop respect and understanding for others
• Achieve a quality education
• Grow into productive adults

The Probation Officer shall manage an active probation caseload and take a proactive approach in their direct supervision and general case management for juveniles placed on probation by the Court.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Court Services and/or the Judge, the Probation Officer will follow all directives in a professional and timely manner.

The Probation Officer shall not work over 35 hours in any one week without written approval from his/her supervisor or the Judge.

NOTE: The following job description is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties and/or responsibilities may be required and assigned by the Director of Court Services and/or the Judge.  Employees of the Court are at will employees and serve at the will of the Judge.  The Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile and Probate Divisions shall have full charge of the employment, assignment and supervision of all personnel.

Court staff cannot and may not give legal advice under any circumstances.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below, with or without reasonable accommodation.

 

Essential Job Functions:

• Willingness to assist others and contribute to the mission of the Court.
• Monitor juveniles placed on probation.
• Schedule initial meeting with probationer and family regarding completion of probation terms, release of information, and any other necessary Court paperwork.
• Responsible to see that the conditions of probation are properly enforced and to inform the Court of any significant deviation.
• Responsible to assist juveniles in the completion of Court Orders and notify the Court of non-compliance (probation violation).
• Investigate delinquency and probation violation allegations.
• Administer OYAS risk assessment and MAYSI-2.
• Prior to disposition, upon order or request, prepare a Disposition Investigation Report (DIR), for Department of Youth Services, (DYS) Facilities, to be submitted which would include a summary and recommendation.
• Submit Disposition Investigation Report to the Director of Court Service for review prior to submission to Court.
• Conduct pre-dispositional investigations, file reports and recommendations with the Court pursuant to a condition of release or pretrial release.
• Responsible for ensuring social file is maintained.
• Receive and examine complaints, allegations, and reports from parents, law enforcement agencies, schools, etc.
• Develop a supportive relationship with the youth and serve as a positive role model.
• Meet with youth, family, school, and other agencies on a regular basis to ensure offenders’ compliance.
• Provide aftercare for juveniles returned to the community from placement or detention.
• Attend Court hearings, testify if necessary.
• Consult with and make recommendations to Prosecutors and attorneys.
• Make referrals to mental health agencies and other services when appropriate.
• Conduct drug and alcohol screens.
• Make arrests and transport probation violators; perform other related duties as required.
• Coordinate transfer of probationers, if necessary.
• Track progress of academic and vocational studies of each probationer. Discuss problem areas with school officials.  Visit schools when necessary.
• Assist probationers in securing employment.
• Assign community service work, secure work sites, and keep record of hours worked.
• Connect electronic monitoring when necessary.
• Maintain court vehicles.
• Identify placement alternatives.
• Provide backup to other Probation Officers as needed.
• Fill in for other Probation Officers and staff as needed.
• Perform other tasks as directed by supervisor and/or Judge.
• Must attend annual Probation Officer training as required by Section 2301.271(A) of the Ohio Revised Code.
• Must certify and annually re-certify to carry a TASER as per the policies and procedures of Seneca County Juvenile Court and approved TASER training.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Attend various meetings and trainings.
• Perform related essential and non-essential functions as needed.

Position Qualifications:

An appropriate combination of education, training, coursework, experience, and personal characteristics ensuring the demonstration of the necessary knowledge and skills demanded in this position is required.         

Position Requirements:

Must pass pre-employment and ongoing criminal background checks and random drug screens.   Must demonstrate predictable and regular attendance. Must be capable of self-defense.  Requires the ability to maintain confidentiality and act ethically.  Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and maintain liability insurance coverage as required by law.

Equipment:

Must be able to safely drive and maneuver Seneca County vehicles.  Must be able to use office equipment including computer, scanner, copier/fax machine, mail machine, label printer, multi-line phone, cellular phone, voicemail, ankle monitors, drug/alcohol screening tools.  Must be proficient using Microsoft Office products.  Must be able to carry and use a TASER in accordance with the policies and procedures of Seneca County Juvenile Court and approved TASER training.

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Ability to be firm and assertive.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with irate and upset persons.
• Ability to function in stressful, fast paced environment.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to use and interpret legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the laws that govern the operation of the state’s juvenile justice system.
• Knowledge of Juvenile Court Employee Handbook.
• Knowledge of Juvenile Court policies and procedures/local Court rules.
• Knowledge of Juvenile Court Probation Manual and policies and procedures contained therein.
• Knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.
• Knowledge of Interstate Compact.
• Certified to administer the Ohio Youth Assessment System.
• Ability to read and comprehend a variety of informational documents, Court reports, lab reports, treatment plans, diagnostic reports, and records, etc.
• Ability to accurately and concisely prepare reports, referrals, juvenile records, etc.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow instructions.
• Willingness to assist others and contribute to the mission of the Court.
• Ability to maintain good public relations and working relationships on all levels as a representative of the Court.

• Knowledge of Carey Guides, EPICS, Thinking for a Change, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other evidence-based programming.
• Exhibits strong integrity, maturity, judgement and tact at all times.
  • Values and appreciates at-risk youth and families.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested Applicants must submit their written resume and a cover letter with qualifications to:

 

                                   Seneca County Juvenile Court

                                      Attention:  Kendra Shearer

                                        103 E. Market Street

                                         Tiffin, Ohio 44883

 

                                    Or e-mail same to: kendras@senecajpcourt.com on or before:   February 14, 2025

 

AT WILL EMPLOYMENT:

Employees of the Court are at will employees and serve at the pleasure of the Judge.  They are not in the classified civil service system and are not members of bargaining units. The Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division shall have full charge of the employment, assignment and supervision of all personnel. 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, status as a veteran or any other legally protected status.  The Court affirms its commitment to provide equal employment opportunity as prescribed by the Civil Rights Laws.