Lubbock County, Tx

Location : 2025 N Akron Avenue, Lubbock, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600183
Department: Courts
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Summary
The Chief Juvenile Probation Officer (Director) is appointed by and serves under the direction of the Lubbock County Juvenile Board and is responsible for the executive leadership, administration, and overall operation of the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center (LCJJC). The Director plans, directs, administers, and evaluates juvenile probation, detention, residential, educational, and related programs and services in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards, and the policies and direction of the Lubbock County Juvenile Board.
The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department; oversees personnel, fiscal management, programs, facilities, regulatory compliance, performance, and organizational improvement; establishes and maintains relationships with the judiciary, governmental agencies, law enforcement, schools, service providers, community organizations, and other juvenile justice partners; and directs personnel and resources necessary to carry out the responsibilities and mission of the Department.
Essential Duties

• Provides executive leadership and overall management of the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center, including oversight of daily operations, and ensures programs and services are administered in accordance with applicable laws, standards, policies, and the direction of the Lubbock County Juvenile Board.
• Ensures and monitors ongoing compliance with Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards and requirements and all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, Department policies, grant requirements, and other governing requirements.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term strategic and operational plans and continually evaluates the Department's performance in meeting its mission, goals, and objectives.
• Oversees the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of juvenile probation, detention, residential, educational, intervention, and related programs and services.
• Hires, supervises, directs, develops, and evaluates Department personnel and oversees personnel administration, including recruitment, performance management, employee counseling, disciplinary actions, termination, and other personnel matters.
• Provides leadership and direction to supervisory, professional, and support staff and ensures appropriate training, certification, continuing education, and professional development of Department personnel.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the Department's operating budgets, grants, and financial resources and ensures appropriate fiscal management, financial controls, and accountability.
• Oversees Department contracts, purchasing, expenditures, restitution funds, and other financial and administrative activities in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Analyzes operational, financial, caseload, program, and performance data and prepares reports for the Lubbock County Juvenile Board, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and other entities as required.
• Develops, implements, reviews, and maintains Department policies and procedures and ensures they remain consistent with applicable laws, standards, operational needs, and the mission and philosophy of the Department.
• Oversees Department facilities and facility maintenance, records management and security, equipment, supplies, and other operational resources necessary for the safe and effective operation of LCJJC.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, operational, and juvenile justice developments affecting the Department and implements or recommends appropriate responses.
• Coordinates operations and provides oversight and, as necessary, direct supervisory support to probation, detention, residential, STAR/JJAEP, halfway house, and other Department programs and units to promote effective communication, collaboration, and continuity of services.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the judiciary, law enforcement, schools, governmental and social service agencies, treatment and service providers, community organizations, area probation departments, and other juvenile justice partners.
• Prepares for and attends meetings of the Lubbock County Juvenile Board and provides information and recommendations regarding Department operations, programs, personnel, fiscal matters, compliance, and other matters requiring Board oversight or action.
• Represents LCJJC before governmental entities, community organizations, professional associations, the media, and the public as appropriate.
• Provides executive oversight and direction during emergencies and critical incidents affecting Department operations, facilities, staff, or juveniles.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Lubbock County Juvenile Board and as required by applicable law.

Position Requirements
OPERATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintains professional conduct and appearance consistent with Department policies and the responsibilities of the position; maintains regular and reliable attendance; follows established procedures regarding work schedules and leave; and responds timely to deadlines and directives of the Lubbock County Juvenile Board.
• Observes established safety practices and responds appropriately to emergency and critical incidents, including medical emergencies, fire, severe weather, escapes, fights, security threats, and other potentially dangerous or hazardous situations in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
• Complies with Department vehicle and transportation policies, including the use of passenger restraints, safe and defensive driving practices, required mileage and vehicle-use documentation, appropriate vehicle maintenance records, and timely reporting of mechanical or safety concerns.
• Attends required meetings, workshops, training sessions, and professional development activities necessary to remain current on Department operations, policies, procedures, applicable standards, and juvenile justice practices. Maintains all training and certifications required for the position.
• Maintains the integrity, security, and confidentiality of juvenile, personnel, legal, financial, and other private or protected information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and Department policies.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
To be eligible for appointment as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer (Director), an individual must:

• Meet NCIC/TCIC employment requirements.
• Be of good moral character.
• Possess a bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Have either:
  • One (1) year (24 semester hours) of graduate study in criminology, corrections, counseling, law, social work, psychology, sociology, or another field of instruction approved by the applicable state regulatory authority; or
  • One (1) year of full-time experience in casework, counseling, community work, or group work in a social service, community corrections, or juvenile agency that serves offenders or disadvantaged persons and satisfies applicable state requirements.
• Satisfactorily complete all required pre-service training or instruction.
• Successfully complete all tests or examinations required for the position.
• Possess and maintain the level of certification required by applicable law and state standards.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of related experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Possess and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.
• Have reliable transportation available for work-related travel.
• Maintain automobile liability insurance as required by Texas law on any personal vehicle used for work-related purposes.
• Have a telephone or other reliable means of communication at which the employee can be reached.

Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND CORE COMPETENCIES:
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of the Texas Family Code, Title 3, as well as other applicable federal and state laws governing juvenile justice operations; the Texas Penal Code and other applicable criminal laws and procedures; and Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards, rules, policies, and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of the principles and practices of juvenile probation, detention, residential services, education programs, rehabilitation, treatment, and juvenile justice administration. Knowledge of executive leadership, organizational management, strategic planning, and public administration, as well as personnel administration, employee development, performance management, and applicable employment laws. Knowledge and experience with fiscal management, budgeting, grants, contracts, purchasing, and internal controls; facility operations, safety, security, emergency response, and records management within a juvenile justice environment; performance measurement, data analysis, program evaluation, and continuous improvement; and general business and administrative practices.
Skill in:
Ability to lead and manage a complex juvenile justice organization, including its programs, facilities, and personnel; analyze complex operational, legal, fiscal, personnel, and policy issues and develop appropriate solutions; and effectively manage multiple programs, projects, priorities, and deadlines. Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, programs, and organizational initiatives, as well as prepare and administer budgets, grants, contracts, reports, and other administrative documents. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with judges, employees, governmental officials, law enforcement agencies, schools, service providers, community organizations, the media, and the public. Ability to speak publicly and present information to the Lubbock County Juvenile Board, governmental entities, professional organizations, and community groups. Strong ability to build collaborative relationships while demonstrating professionalism, tact, diplomacy, sound judgment, and effective decision-making.
Ability to:
Exercise independent judgment and make informed decisions involving significant organizational, personnel, fiscal, operational, and juvenile justice matters, while working independently and efficiently with minimal supervision. Ability to accurately and consistently interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures and provide effective executive leadership and direction consistent with the mission and responsibilities of the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center. Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing operational needs, emergencies, and high-pressure situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Lubbock County Juvenile Board, judiciary, employees, governmental agencies, criminal justice partners, service providers, and the community. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling juvenile, personnel, legal, financial, and other sensitive or protected information. Ability to promote accountability, ethical conduct, professional development, collaboration, and continuous organizational improvement, as well as effectively utilize computers, electronic information systems, and standard business software necessary to perform the duties of the position.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed primarily indoors within the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center, including both secure and non-secure areas, in an office and juvenile justice environment. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, reach, and perform other physical movements necessary to carry out the essential functions of the position. Must be able to respond promptly to unit emergencies, including the ability to run, when necessary, operate and unlock secured doors, and assist with the physical restraint of juveniles when required. Must occasionally be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
The position requires a flexible work schedule and availability to respond to operational needs, emergencies, meetings, and other Department responsibilities outside normal business hours. Work-related travel may be required for meetings, training, conferences, and other official Department business.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description and understand the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements of the position. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
DISCLAIMER: The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the standard functions of this position and should not be constructed as a thorough description of all work requirements. The characteristics of the work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Employment Employer: Lubbock County will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
To review Lubbock County's benefits package, please select the following link: