Juvenile Probation Officer Assistant (Courtroom Coordinator)

Job Summary

The Travis County Juvenile Probation department is seeking to fill a Juvenile Probation Officer Assistant/Courtroom Coordinator position with an authentic and dynamic individual with positive team spirit, enthusiasm to integrate into a growing and highly dynamic team, and commitment to a collaborative approach in working as part of a team.

Carries out orders by the judge, provides assistance to the judge, prepares courtrooms and assures that all essential parties and materials are present. Coordinates activities within the courtroom and announces opening and closing of court. Calls witnesses and interacts with attorneys. Assists the general public in their dealings with the court. Courtroom Coordinators are certified Juvenile Probation Officer Assistants and are trained in the Handle with Care primary restraint technique. When necessary, Courtroom Coordinators initiate or assist in juvenile restraints and subsequently prepare incident reports.

Under close supervision, assists in the coordination of department records and information management function, including sealing of records and filing of material.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification assists in providing supervision to clients who are within various phases of the juvenile justice system. This classification performs duties of the most routine nature and type and typically performs duties in training together with a higher-level staff member. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in conducting investigations on the background of each case, which includes interviewing clients, their families and other significant contacts. Reviews documentation, such as police reports, court transcripts and criminal records and makes assessments regarding the nature of the individual's environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case. Assists in making recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and preparing probation plans.
• Assists in supervising and monitoring juveniles on probation through regular home, school and office visits and other needed contacts. Determines the needs of the client and family and assists in developing supervision plans for clients.
• Assures client's understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the court's order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation. Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action. Assists in coordinating case management with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies.
• Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals. Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol, drug, mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs.
• Assists in preparing written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sentencing, treatment, custody release, suspension of sentence, release into treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies.
• Transports clients to other facilities, as required.
• May assist in developing client placement plans, including completing placement applications, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports and maintaining contact with clients in placement.
• May assist in providing individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.
• May conduct urinalysis, request and execute warrants, obtain consents and other required paperwork.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:
Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND one (1) year experience in social services, criminal justice or related field;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Certification as a Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint technique).
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

• Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Works some holidays.

Department: Juvenile Probation

Location: 2515 S. Congress Ave. Austin,TX.78704

Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test, and Psychological Exam Required.

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions about this posting, contact: JUV-ProbHR@traviscountytx.gov