Probation Officer (Juvenile Probation)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position enforces the orders of the Berks County Juvenile Court, performing a variety of tasks in order to supervise juvenile offenders and reduce their risk to re-offend.  Under Balanced and Restorative Justice principles, juvenile probation officers serve three clients equally: the victim, the offender and the community. This position ensures that offenders are held accountable for their behavior and that supervision is sufficient to protect the community.  In addition, juvenile probation officers are expected to assist in the development of competencies and skills within the offender so that they may become productive, law-abiding members of the community.  Probation officers are expected to supervise offenders appropriate to their level of risk to re-offend and work to address areas of need as identified in the risk and needs assessment. 

Probation officers hired after July 1, 2005 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.

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:

Essential Functions


* Supervise offenders through a combination of office and community-based contacts, with a focus on the latter.  Make collateral contacts with parents/guardians, schools, employers, community agencies and residential facilities.  Contacts to be made during regular office and non-traditional hours.


* Provide guidance, mentoring, support and counseling to offenders under supervision.


* Build professional alliances with offenders and their families.


* Accurately assess offender risk and needs through use of the Youth Level of Service (YLS) assessment device.


* Make recommendations to the Juvenile Court that are cognizant of risk, address criminogenic needs and remain consistent with the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice.


* Develop SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-limited) case plans utilizing the results of the YLS and prioritizing needs appropriately.


* Utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques to engage clients and create the climate for change. 


* Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to offenders and their families, making appropriate referrals utilizing risk and need data and the department’s service matrix.


* Engage in risk reduction activities with offend...