Assistant Director - Juvenile Probation

Lake County, IL; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Lake County, IL is seeking a high-level leader to manage Juvenile Probation operations. You will direct multiple units, set division goals, and ensure compliance with laws and court procedures. This role emphasizes policy development, staff supervision, and inter-agency coordination.

The position requires a master’s degree in a relevant field and 3+ years in probation/court services with supervisory responsibility; AOIC supervisory certification is required for advancement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field.
• Three+ years in probation/court services with supervisory experience.
• AOIC supervisory certification eligibility required by AOIC for promotion.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the daily management of Juvenile Probation.
• Assists in formulating division goals, priorities, and policies.
• Directs enforcement of state, federal, and local laws related to unit operations.
• Supervises unit managers and assesses performance; implements improvements as needed.
• Sets goals, objectives, programs, and strategies; updates policies with leadership.

Skills

Excellent communication

Labor relations knowledge

Policy interpretation

Union/non-union experience

Calm under pressure

Education

Master’s degree or higher

Probation/court services experience (3+ years)

AOIC supervisory certification eligibility

Tools

AOIC supervisory certification

Job 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

Responsibilities

• 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 degreeofoperational 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.

Skills

• 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

• 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.