Juvenile Services Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary/Objective Smith County Juvenile Services is seeking a highly motivated and visionary leader to serve as its next Director of Juvenile Services and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. This executive leadership position is responsible for the overall administration, management, and operation of the Smith County Juvenile Services Department which includes juvenile detention, juvenile probation, court services, residential H.O.P.E. Academy, prevention and intervention initiatives, and community partnerships

The Director serves as the administrative head of the department and reports directly to the Smith County Juvenile Board. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership that promotes accountability, rehabilitation, public safety, and positive outcomes for youth and families while ensuring compliance with the Texas Family Code, Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team committed to excellence in juvenile justice while fostering collaboration among the judiciary, county officials, law enforcement agencies, schools, treatment providers, community organizations, and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities Direct and oversee all operations of the Smith County Juvenile Services Department. Provide leadership for Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Detention, Court Services, H.O.P.E. Academy, prevention and intervention services, and community-based programs

Develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve services, operational efficiency, and youth outcomes. Develop, revise, and enforce departmental policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards, Texas Family Code requirements, county policies, and applicable federal and state laws.

Promote evidence-based practices designed to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Ensure the department maintains a culture of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Evaluate existing programs and implement improvements based upon data analysis and best practices.

Develop new programming that addresses community needs and improves juvenile outcomes. Ensure quality assurance measures are implemented throughout the department. Oversee departmental audits, inspections, investigations, and corrective action plans.

Develop, prepare, and administer the department's annual operating budget. Monitor expenditures and maintain fiscal responsibility. Oversee grant applications, grant administration, and grant compliance.

Manage contracts, purchasing, equipment acquisitions, and departmental resources. Prepare financial reports and present budget recommendations to the Juvenile Board and Commissioners Court. Maintain confidentiality of juvenile records in accordance with state and federal law.

Supervisory Responsibilities Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate department personnel. Develop leadership among management staff and supervisors. Address employee performance issues and administer disciplinary actions when appropriate.

Ensure all personnel maintain required certifications and continue education. Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and professional growth. Required Skills and Abilities Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, probation, corrections, or related human services.

Minimum of three (3) years of executive or supervisory management experience. Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation. Must meet all eligibility requirements established by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Education and Experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, Behavioral Science, or a related field. Licenses and Certifications Texas Juvenile Probation Officer Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain certification. Valid Texas Driver License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for periods of time.

Position requires the ability to see, hear, and speak as well as color and depth perception. Position requires the ability to lift more than 30 pounds. Travel Must be able to travel to and from county facilities as needed.