JPD - Juvenile Probation Officer

illinoiscircuitcourtofcookcounty; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Circuit Court of Cook County invites applications for the Juvenile Probation Officer role in Chicago, IL. The position requires bilingual Spanish-speaking abilities and focuses on youth care and collaboration with families and community providers.

The officer will handle a 40-hour week with flexible shifts, perform social investigations and risk assessments, and maintain thorough records in the department's case management system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Preference for social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice or related social sciences.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Verbal and written skills are essential.
• Organizational and case management skills are required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License to transport minors as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work a 40-hour week with flexible shifts, including weekends/holidays.
• Meet with assigned youth and families in communities and homes throughout Cook County.
• Collaborate with youth, family, and community providers.
• Coordinate supportive services per the youth's plan and court order.
• Supervise caseload and conduct assessments per policy.
• Enter data into the case management system per policy.
• Maintain contact with youth, families, schools, and collateral agencies.

Skills

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Case management

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences

Tools

Illinois Court Case Management System (C5)

Clerk’s Information System

Job description

Job Title: JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER

Section: Youth Care & Collaboration Officer (Bilingual-Spanish Speaking)

Grade: PS1

Salary: $68,654 annually/$32.36 hourly
Union: AFSCME Council 31/Local 3477

This summary is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of an employee assigned to this position, nor does the order identify priority.

Essential Responsibilities

1. This officer will work a 40-hour week. Their schedule can be either a day, afternoon or overnight shift depending on assignment. Shifts may be assigned on weekends and holidays depending on job assignment.
2. Officers meet with assigned clients in the community and in their homes in all areas of Cook County.
3. Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders, including youth, family, and community-based providers.
4. Coordinate supportive services with community-based providers, as determined by the youth's case plan and court order.
5. Supervise a caseload in accordance to Department policy.
6. Assess each case received in accordance with Department policy.
7. Input all required information into the department’s case management system according to policy.
8. Demonstrate the use of accountability through restorative practices.
9. Demonstrate the ability to work with system stakeholders, including the youth and family.
10. Commit to ongoing learning to develop skills in the juvenile justice field.
11. Commit to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
12. Complete social investigations, risk/needs assessments, case plans and addendums as assigned.
13. Maintain contact with youth/families/school and collateral agencies through home, school and collateral visits according to policy.
14. Transporting of youth when needed for programming, school, Court or when directed by management.
15. Make timely and appropriate referrals pursuant to department policy.
16. Adhere to the principles of risk, need and responsivity. (RNR)
17. Conduct one’s self in a professional and ethical manner with internal and external partners.
18. Adjust one’s schedule to be flexible with youth, families, service providers and system stakeholders.
19. Ensure that all collateral records are requested in a timely manner and document all attempts to obtain records in the social investigation and case management system.
20. Follow up with collateral agencies to obtain records and once received review and incorporate findings into the supervision plan and maintain records per department policy.
21. Track minor’s progress/compliance and ensure the Court receives accurate, complete and timely feedback on case progress.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Participate in court proceedings for juvenile petitions assigned to their caseload.
2. Review, record (in client’s area of case management system) and report to Court the status of any adult court proceedings.
3. Comply with all timekeeping policies.
4. Utilize rewards and sanctions with clients.
5. Utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques to promote and support behavior change.
6. Understand community-based resources; evidence based practices and how to use them as a tool in caseload management.
7. Adhere to all Department policies and Juvenile Probation Officer responsibilities as outlined by policy.
8. Complete community-based visits in accordance to policy.
9. Travel as required throughout Cook County.
10. Adhere to the Department Code of Conduct at all times.
11. Attend and participate in training annually as per Department policy.
12. Attend all individualized supervisory conferences, and assigned unit and division meetings.
13. Perform other duties as directed by SPO, DCPO, SCPO or Director.

Professional Development Targets to Meet Essential Responsibilities

1. Possess an understanding of the principles of casework supervision.
2. Possess a comprehensive understanding of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, Positive Youth Justice, risk-need-responsivity principles, Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiatives (JDAI)
3. Possess a working knowledge of Department Case Management C5 system and Clerk’s Information System.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Meet the minimum qualification set forth by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
2. Bachelor’s Degree required. Preference given to those with a degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice or related social sciences.
3. Within 6 months establish residency in the State of Illinois.
4. Ability to pass a background check.
5. Possess problem solving abilities.
6. Possess verbal and written skills.
7. Possess organizational and case management skills.
8. Possess a valid Driver’s License to transport minors as necessary.
9. Possess the ability to work as a team member as well as an individual.

Physical Requirements

1. Lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
2. Be available to work in-person 100% of the scheduled work week.
3. Be able to walk for short distances and climb stairs.
4. Be able to get in and out of a vehicle and drive throughout Cook County.
5. Be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time.
6. Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
7. Be able to use a telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Letter of interest to Acting Director Dr. Miquel A. Lewis addressing work experience and the qualifications for this position.
• Applicant’s current resume.
• AOIC Eligibility Letter.
• College Transcripts.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at a Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.

Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Revised: June, 2025