Director of Juvenile Probation and Detention

Jefferson-County,-Tx; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson County in Beaumont, TX is seeking a director to oversee the Juvenile Probation & Detention Department. The role directs operations, ensures security and care of detained youth, and guides policy and program development across probation and detention services.

The position requires seven years in juvenile probation/detention with supervisory experience and a relevant degree; Texas certification is required. The department emphasizes staff development and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Seven years experience in juvenile probation and detention, including three years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Texas certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer.

Responsibilities

• Directs all operations of the Juvenile Probation and Detention Department, including care and security of juvenile detainees, supervision of juvenile probationers, department administration, and staff training and development.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to advance the department’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Hires, evaluates, promotes, disciplines, and terminates employees following established procedures and policy; oversees department safety issues.
• Oversees the resolution of departmental problems; maintains contracts with social service agencies and area schools; manages the department budget.

Skills

Public administration

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences

Master's degree preferred

Texas certification as Juvenile Probation Officer

Job description

Summary

Under general direction, directs and manages all operations of the Juvenile Probation & Detention Department for Jefferson County.

Essential Job Functions

Directs all operations of the Juvenile Probation and Detention Department, including care and security of juvenile detainees, supervision of juvenile probationers, department administration, and staff training and development; develops and implements policies and procedures to advance the department’s mission, goals, and objectives; hires, evaluates, promotes, disciplines, and terminates employees following established procedures and policy; oversees department safety issues. Guides and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; determines and recommends levels of staff and equipment needed to effectively provide services to the County; prepares and monitors department’s annual budget; oversees the resolution of departmental problems; oversees the development and maintenance of service agreements with social service agencies including Child Protective Services, Mental Health Services, and area schools. Directs and oversees the operations of a twenty-four hour juvenile detention facility, including security of juveniles, staff and facility; maintenance of discipline and order; and provision of meals, clothing, supplies, education, physical exercise; directs and oversees the operations of juvenile probation program, including assessment of probationers needs, development of probation plans, contacts with probationers, families, schools, and employers; and recommendations to juvenile courts. Directs and oversees the placement of juveniles who have been removed from their homes by the court in alternative residential facilities or foster homes; serves as official liaison with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department; oversees the maintenance and performance of contracts with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to provide supervision for parolees. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Other Job Functions

Performs other job duties as directed.

NOTE

The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Education & Experience

Seven years experience in juvenile probation and detention, including three years of supervisory experience. Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Texas certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer.

Equipment Used

Copy machine, telephone, vehicle, personal computer/mainframe computer terminal, other general office equipment, fax machine.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills; typing skills; computer skills; excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact and cooperate with co-workers, deal effectively with probationers and their families, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, court personnel, treatment centers and other resource agencies, and the general public; effective counseling skills; leadership ability; and problem solving skills. Knowledge of: the principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, personnel management, program management, grant administration, contract administration, and public relations; the Texas Family Code; the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards for Probation Services; the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards for Detention Centers; and the Texas juvenile justice system.

Work Situations/Demands/Effort

Work requires organizing; prioritizing, accuracy and attention to detail; working alone and as part of a group; flexibility in order to perform and coordinate a variety of duties; performing routine, repetitive duties; dealing with frequent deadlines; working in a stressful environment; occasional irregular hours; driving a vehicle; and occasional out-of-town travel to attend educational seminars and training sessions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled private office environment. Must be available to work 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with some irregular hours and overtime; is subject to being on call 24-hours a day.

Physical Requirements

Office duties are primarily sedentary but require some light work, including frequent walking to deliver/retrieve files and paperwork, etc.

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status (disabled), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or political affiliation in employment or the provision of services. To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance, contact a Human Resources representative at [phone], or for the hearing impaired, through RELAY Texas at 1-800-735-2989 or mail your request to 1225 Pearl St., Suite 201 Beaumont, Texas 77701.