Diversion Officer

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) seeks an Intake Diversion Officer to support 24/7 intake operations for youth ages 10 to 17. You will review referrals, conduct interviews, gather history, and perform risk assessments to inform detention vs. release recommendations.

This essential role requires in-person presence to maintain continuous coverage, collaboration with officers and judges, and adherence to statutory guidelines while protecting youth and staff safety.

Qualifications

• Qualifying education and experience documented on the application.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Criminal background check and drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Screens admissions and releases of juveniles referred to and admitted to the detention center by law enforcement, probation officers, judges, or other authorized entities.
• Performs case file management including interviews, court reports, referrals to resources, documentation and data entry for services and activities.
• Assists Intake Juvenile Probation Officers, Supervisors, and the Administrator as needed.
• Provides intervention and referral services to walk-ins and responds to public inquiries.
• Assists with transporting juveniles.

Skills

Intake Services policies and practices

Detention hearing procedures

Juvenile court policies

Interdepartmental policies

Texas Juvenile Justice DepartmentStand

Microsoft Office

Age 21+ requirement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

30 college credits substitute for experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Description

About Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD):

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

About Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD):

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

Division Overview

The Intake Diversion Officer is a critical member of a 24-hour Intake Screening Unit, responsible for reviewing law enforcement referrals for youth ages 10 to 17 who are alleged to have committed Class B misdemeanors or higher. This role ensures that each case is handled in accordance with statutory guidelines while balancing public safety and the individual needs of the youth and their families.

Position Overview

The Intake Diversion Officer facilitates and assists with key intake processes, including admission and release decisions and detention hearing procedures, for juveniles referred to and admitted to the Harris County Juvenile Justice Detention Center. The officer conducts interviews, gathers social history information, and completes validated risk and needs assessments to inform recommendations regarding detention or release. This position is designated as essential and requires in-person attendance as needed to support continuous 24‑hour operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Screens and processes admissions and releases of juveniles referred to and admitted to the detention center by law enforcement, probation officers, judges, or other authorized entities.
• Performs case file management tasks, including in‑office and telephone interviews, court reports, referrals to community resources, documentation and data entry for services and activities, and other tasks required for each case.
• Assists Intake Juvenile Probation Officers, Supervisors, and the Administrator as needed.
• Provides intervention and referral services to walk‑ins and responds to public telephone inquiries.
• Assists with transporting juveniles.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution with either:
• One (1) year of full‑time paid experience working in casework, counseling, community or group work in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons.

OR

• One (1) year (30 credit hours) of education from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the one year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Intake Services policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile Detention Hearing Court and detention alternative programs and services.
• Working knowledge of Juvenile District Court policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of interdepartmental unit policies and procedures, services and programs and community resources.
• Knowledge of Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and all other computer systems and programs needed to perform the job.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Licensure

• Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.

Additional Requirements

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All applicants must provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. If the attest result is positive, additional documentation will be required.
• All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county’s drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de‑escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Grant-funded Full-time
• 40 hours per week | 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM with two (2) consecutive weekdays off.

Salary

• $ 49,046.40 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
• Plus, benefits

Open Position Location

• Intake Services

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.