Assistant Supervisor - JPO

Montgomery County (PA); Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking an Assistant Supervisor to supervise juvenile defendants and ensure compliance with Court orders. The role includes team management, staff training, and direct engagement with the community. Candidates must have a Bachelor's in criminal justice and demonstrate strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. Frequent travel within Montgomery County is required, with a commitment to public safety and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Proficient in problem-solving abilities and decision making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of the Criminal Justice System.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a caseload through direct contact with defendants.
• Assist with training new probation officers.
• Prepare reports and interact with the Judiciary.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision making

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Job description

The Assistant Supervisor is an experienced probation officer, responsible for supervising a caseload of criminal juvenile defendants to ensure compliance with Court ordered conditions. Through the utilization of Evidence Based Practices, an actuarial risk assessment and established professional standards, the Assistant Supervisor will target criminogenic needs with a focus on increasing public safety and effectuating positive outcomes. This position is responsible for considering alternatives to detention and all possible implications to public safety. The Assistant Supervisor exhibits emerging leadership skills and demonstrates a knowledge of methods of administration and supervision. The Assistant Supervisor assists the Supervisor with training new probation officers and administrative duties. The Assistant Supervisor must demonstrate high moral character and possess strong decision-making skills as well as the ability to problem solve under pressure.

• Direct team operations and facilitate team management in the absence of the supervisor.
• Assist the supervisor in coaching and developing officers in the performance of their duties to ensure job functions and responsibilities are conducted in accordance with departmental policy.
• Assist with ensuring coverage is provided for in the absence of staff.
• Supervise a caseload through direct contact with defendants and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence the defendant’s life.
• Investigate juvenile’s backgrounds, prepare reports, appear and testify before the Court.
• Foster an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Utilize Evidence Based and Best Practices in the field of community supervision.
• Obtain all relevant background information on juveniles in order to effect positive behavioral change.
• Complete an actuarial risk and needs assessment in order to properly manage risk, identify individual criminogenic needs, and address goals and objectives through the development of a case supervision plan.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change.
• Address antisocial behavior through the use of appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate supervision utilizing a variety of methods including electronic monitoring, office, home, and community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment; all of which may present inherent risks.
• Maintain accurate case records and review monthly contact summaries for quality assurance.
• Prepare and submit Court reports and documents as needed and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and other agencies that provide services.
• Knowledge of Inter-County transfer process and Interstate Compact rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually as required by state standards.
• Undergo and maintain successful: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification; maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Promote victim restoration.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours to include nights, weekends, holidays, and after hours on-call responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, and special projects as required.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop competencies in Evidence Based and Best Practices including but not limited to: Youth Level of Service (YLS), Pennsylvania Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (PaDRI),Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), Motivational Interviewing (MI),Child Trauma Screening (CTS), Trauma Informed Decision Making Protocol (TIDP), Massachusetts Youth Sreening Instrument (MAYSI), Graduated Responses (GR), and other practices designed to elicit positive change.
• Undergo training and obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under Court supervision; maintain annual recertification.
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use-of-Force Continuum and self-defense; maintain defensive tactics certification.
• Identify alternatives to incarceration/detention when appropriate.
• Prepare bench warrants, violations petitions, and orders for submission to the Court; provide the Court with appropriate and informed recommendations.
• Conduct supervision visits with individuals in their homes, community, and office setting.
• Facilitate detention/arrest when necessary.
• Conduct thorough pre-employment background investigations for new employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Must demonstrate proficient problem-solving abilities, decision making, and judgement skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements.
• Fundamental belief that individuals can change their behavior.
• Strong knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, mental health diagnoses, and substance use disorder.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasionally to other destinations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation including satisfactory physical examination and drug screen.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Drug and alcohol testing is performed on individuals to ensure compliance with specific Court orders. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, which can potentially pose health hazards. Personal Protective Equipment is provided. There is further possibility of illness due to frequent contact with the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This employee will travel frequently by automobile to defendants’ homes, locations within the community, and prisons/secured detention facilities, in order to supervise and investigate the assigned caseload; all of which present a certain amount of physical danger. Physical effort is sometimes required during an arrest.