DUTIES:
- Performs juvenile casework for the Berrien County Trial Court-Family Division.
- Conducts investigatory processes to gather information about a youth and family.
- Provides dispositional recommendations to assist the Court with appropriate offender disposition.
- Develops and implements individualized treatment and counseling plans to assist and guide probationers and their families in rehabilitation efforts.
- Supervises probationers to increase assurance they follow court ordered probation terms and conditions.
- Documents organized contact with child, parents, schools, police and other agencies to verify information, obtain reports, monitor progress and complete evaluations of court-engaged youth.
- Recommends social services agencies, community organizations or treatment programs based on need and in compliance with terms of probation.
- Provides testimony as an officer of the court; collects samples or specimens to test for alcohol or substance abuse.
- Recruits, investigates and makes recommendations regarding licensing of shelter and foster homes.
- Conducts training sessions with foster parents.
- Transports juveniles to hearings, other agencies, foster homes, or placements.
- Coordinates a panel of volunteers and manages cases assigned to the Community Restorative Board.
- This description is intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, behavioral science, or related field and a minimum of one year paid full time experience working with youth within the juvenile court system or social service agency; OR
- Master's degree in one of the aforementioned programs and two years of casework in a juvenile court or related child welfare agency preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Will be required to complete the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) juvenile probation officer certification training within two years of employment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Michigan vehicle driver’s license and personal auto insurance throughout the course of employment.
- Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
- A background check will be performed and employees will be fingerprinted.
- Subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court’s policy.
- May be assigned to work at any Berrien County Trial Court location during employment.
- May manage juvenile probation cases off-site within a school or other agency setting.
- The ability to lift up to 25 pounds, comfortably reach and bend, and sit or stand for extended periods, is essential to the successful completion of job duties.
- Individual will be required as necessary to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends.
- Work environment may involve a moderate degree of hazard, with exposure to persons charged or adjudicated of criminal offenses.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
- Thorough knowledge of the theory, laws and procedures pertaining to probation activities, casework supervision, counseling skills and techniques, community service process and substance abuse.
- Knowledge of the criminal law component of the Michigan court system.
- Working knowledge of developmental and child psychology, family dynamics, behavioral disorders and appropriate interventions.
- Computer literacy, organization skills, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations are essential.
- Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and effective working relationships with other employees.
- Must have the ability to interact effectively with the general public.
TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:
TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:
If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.
Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
