Juvenile Probation Officer

47th Circuit Court - Family Division

Delta County Probate Court

Job Description

Position Title: Juvenile Probation Officer/Juvenile Justice Worker

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

Shall meet the requirements of Administrative Order 1985-5, as amended, pursuant to the Supreme Court Order. 

Under the supervision of the presiding Judge of Probate Court and the Juvenile Justice Supervisor, the Juvenile Probation Officer supervises and counsels juvenile probationers and their families with the aim of modifying or eliminating behavioral problems, reducing out of home placement due to delinquency, reducing recidivism, and enhancing public safety. The position involves investigation, assessment, treatment planning, supervision, coordination with various service providers, and the development of court reports and recommendations. The officer plays a key role in implementing court orders and ensuring compliance with all terms of probation. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conduct in-depth investigations of assigned cases, including compiling comprehensive social histories of youths and their families. 

• Administer the Michigan Juvenile Justice Assessment System (MJJAS) for all incoming juveniles to determine risk levels and needs.

 • Interview youth, parents/guardians, school officials, law enforcement, and social service personnel to gather information relevant to case planning and court proceedings. 

• Prepare and present pre-dispositional reports to assist the court in determining appropriate probation conditions, placement, and treatment plans. 

• Develop individualized probation/consent calendar/diversion plans, outlining clear expectations, goals, and services necessary for rehabilitation. 

• Maintain regular contact with youth and families through home, school and office visits, adjusting supervision intensity as needed. 

• Counsel youth and families on behavioral, emotional, and psychological challenges, conflict resolution, and parenting strategies. 

• Monitor compliance with probation/consent calendar/diversion terms, including curfews, school attendance, drug testing, counseling, electronic monitoring, and restitution. 

•Facilitate and supervise urinalysis drug screenings and electronic monitoring equipment setups and removals. 

• Coordinate referrals and placement with community partners, including residential treatment, mental health, substance abuse, and educational services. 

• Collaborate with educational institutions to monitor school performance and ensure truancy intervention. 

• Arrange transportation when necessary for court appearances, treatment programs, or evaluations. 

• Respond to law enforcement and Department of Health and Human Services calls on an after-hours basis to provide support during crises. 

• Assign, supervise, and track completion of community service hours and restorative justice activities. 

• Appear in court to testify regarding case facts, progress reports, probation violations, and make informed recommendations to the judge. 

• Document all case activity and progress in case notes and state-mandated systems to ensure compliance and audit-readiness. 

• Coordinate holdover and detention placements, transportation, and maintain partnerships with regional and state detention facilities. 

• Lead or support youth programs and initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism and fostering life skills. 

• Ensure timely filing of reports and compliance with court, agency, and state deadlines and documentation standards. 

• Participate in ongoing training to maintain certification and best practices in juvenile justice.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Certification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or a related human services field is required. 

• Completion of Michigan Judicial Institute certification for juvenile court staff within two years of employment is mandatory. 

• Completion of MJJAS & MAYSI 2 training within 1 year of employment. 

Preferred Experience: 

•Previous experience working with at-risk youth or in juvenile justice settings. 

• Familiarity with case management practices and behavioral intervention strategies. 

• Knowledge of Michigan juvenile court procedures, the Child Protection Law, and relevant legal statutes. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with youth, families, law enforcement, educators, and service providers. 

• Proficient in analyzing problems and developing creative, sustainable solutions. 

• Strong writing skills for preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive court reports and documentation. 

• Effective organization and time management; capable of handling multiple priorities in high-pressure situations. 

• Ability to maintain objectivity and professionalism in emotionally charged or crisis situations. 

• Competency in basic computer applications and digital case management systems. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including: physical, drug test, criminal background check, driving record, and reference verification. 

• Availability to work flexible and non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in after-hour calls that may result in administering Michigan Juvenile Justice Assessment System (MJJAS) or conducting a hearing as permitted. 

• Must maintain required certifications and attend ongoing training sessions.