Assistant Director - Juvenile Probation

Appa Net; Vernon Hill (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake County in Illinois is seeking a Juvenile Probation Director to provide strategic direction, manage multiple units, and report to the Division Director, Executive Director, and the Courts. The role focuses on aligning operations with state and local requirements.

You will oversee staff, set goals, develop programs, monitor performance, and ensure training, compliance, and successful program implementation.

Qualifications

• Requires education or training equivalent to a master’s degree with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field
• Three or more years of employment in probation/court services (at least two of which must be at a supervisory level). An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Candidates must also apply to the AOIC for certification in a “Supervisory” position.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the daily management of Juvenile Probation.
• Assists in formulating Division goals, objectives, priorities, and policies.
• Plans, organizes, and directs enforcement of laws related to unit operations.
• Supervises and evaluates unit effectiveness; audits and recommends improvements.
• Sets goals, establishes programs, and implements strategies.
• Updates policies and recommends procedures based on regulations and trends.
• Drafts and implements policies and procedures as directed.
• Supervises annual performance reviews of unit managers.
• Handles disciplinary matters for all staff and recommends actions.
• Assists in development of submissions for new programs and grants.
• Ensures participation in required training programs.
• Recruits and assists in hiring staff with Unit Managers and Division Director.
• Develops standards via data collection and analysis.
• Meets with local and state criminal justice agencies regarding mutual program interests.
• Attends management meetings to discuss issues.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Labor relations knowledge

Legal interpretation

Union/non-union experience

Education

Master’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Job description

General Description

The general function of this position is to perform highly complex work related to providing direction, assigning work, and managing multiple units within Juvenile Probation. The position is under general direction of the Division Director, Executive Director, and the Courts.

Hours of Work

Generally, 8am- 5pm Monday - Friday

Essential Functions

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the daily management of Juvenile Probation.


• Assists in the formation of Division goals, objectives, priorities, and policies.


• Plans, organizes, and directs the enforcement of state, federal, and local laws and ordinances related to the assigned unit operations and activities.


• Supervises and continuously evaluates the units’ overall effectiveness, including auditing and evaluating, making recommendations for improvement as needed.


• Plans and establishes goals, objectives, programs, and implements strategies


• Works with the Division Director to update policies and recommends new procedures based upon new regulations and trends.


• Drafts and implements policies and procedures as set forth by the Director, Executive Director, and/or the Court.


• Supervises and assesses the annual performance of unit managers.


• Handles disciplinary matters for all unit employees; issues verbal or written warnings and recommends increased forms of discipline to the Director.


• Assists in the development and preparation of submissions for new programs and procedures, including grants.


• Ensures the Division participates in all required training programs.


• Recruits and makes recommendations regarding hiring staff to ensure the highest degree of operational effectiveness.


• Assists in interviews of prospective staff and participates in the hiring decisions along with the Unit Managers and Division Director.


• Develops new/improved standards through the collection, analysis, and distribution of data regarding caseload levels, case management, and any other matters of interest to the Court, other divisions, or court-related departments or agencies.


• Meets with local and state criminal justice agencies regarding mutual program interests.


• Attends management meetings to discuss and resolve any issues, problems, or concerns.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Thorough understanding of state and federal laws concerning labor relations.


• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, and policies.
  Experience in working in both union and non-union environments.


• Ability to remain tactful and calm in controversial and/or confrontational situations.


• Education and/or Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)
  Requires education or training equivalent to a master’s degree with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field


• Three or more years of employment in probation/court services (at least two of which must be at a supervisory level). An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.


• Candidates must also apply to the AOIC for certification in a “Supervisory” position. This certification is required by AOIC for promotion eligibility. The following is a link to the required form: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/employment-application/

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.