Deputy Juvenile Officer / Probation

Revised: May 2023

The Deputy Juvenile Officer – Probation is an entry-level professional working in the enforcement and administration of the Missouri Juvenile System. The employee is vested with the statutory authority of a Juvenile Officer to take charge of children who come under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile or Family Court. The employee will exercise supervision over juveniles under the Court’s jurisdiction, working with some degree of independence and reporting directly to the Unit Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to on-call or daily referrals made by law enforcement agencies, schools, parent/guardian, Department of Social Services or the public
• Handles crisis interventions
• Assists law enforcement agencies in the investigation of juvenile cases with questioning of alleged juvenile offenders.
• Conducts some field investigations, interviews of witnesses and victims, along with other assignments
• Conducts informal conferences with juvenile and parents
• Provides and explains legal rights to and questions the alleged offender
• Compiles information regarding the client by interviewing clients, parents and other pertinent agencies in order to determine client needs
• Discuss intervention methods other than formal charges
• Develops and initiates an appropriate treatment plan based on client needs
• Conducts formal conferences with juvenile and parent to discuss formal charges brought against juvenile and to advise juvenile of rights
• Prepares all required legal documentation including petitions, motions, social investigations, court summaries and other reports to Court hearings
• Prepares and serves summonses and subpoenas
• Networks to secure out-of-home placements when necessary for residential, substance abuse, or mental health treatment needs
• Attends team meetings with Children’s Division to explore and discuss a treatment plan to ensure the safety of the juvenile and to meet the needs of the family
• Works with attorneys to adjudicate contested cases before the Juvenile Court; including Termination of Parental Rights hearings
• Works with attorneys to adjudicate contested cases before the Juvenile Court
• Presents cases, as required, to the Juvenile Court and makes recommendations based on evidence, client history, and statutory requirements
• Provides case management for formal and informal supervision including onsite visits in homes and schools.
• Refers clients to appropriate program or agency based on need
• Supervises juveniles placed on probation by establishing guidelines, completion requirements for probation agreements and community service
• Maintains working relationship with parents/guardians, school officials, Department of Social Services workers, facilities and community-based treatment specialist to monitor progress, cooperation with the treatment plan and modify the plan based on apparent needs
• Transports juveniles
• Be available for on-call duties as needed
• Follows all County and departmental safety rules, regulations, and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned and reasonably qualified to perform

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of crisis intervention methods
• Knowledge of crisis required legal documentation
• Intermediate skill level with personal computers and business software

• Ability to read and write English sufficiently to read case files and prepare handwritten work reports
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to interact effectively and courteously with law enforcement agencies, schools, parent/guardian, Department of Social Services, County staff or the public
• Ability carry out assigned tasks, duties and responsibilities safely and independently.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include, walking long distances, climbing, bending, standing and sitting for extended periods of time, lifting up to 25 pounds
• Ability to pass a drug-screening test
• Ability to handle detailed and stressful situations in an appropriate manner

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field
• Able to attend training with overnight stays and make out of county trips, as needed
• Legally licensed and insured to drive a motor vehicle

Minimum ADA and Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate, and prepare a variety of written/typed documents and text materials.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard custodial equipment. Employee should also be able to operate standard office equipment and personal computers.
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to lift up to 25 pounds, climb ladders, bend, twist, squat, and kneel in order to perform cleaning functions. Employee should also be able to sit and work at a computer keyboard and work in an office environment.

Required Travel:

• The employee may be required to travel throughout the County, within state, or out of state. Sometimes overnight.