Unit Manager - Juvenile Probation

Lake County, IL; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake County, IL is seeking a probation supervisor to direct a team of juvenile probation officers, assign work, and evaluate performance. The role requires knowledge of evidence-based practices and AOIC supervisory certification for promotion eligibility.

You will design strategies for employee growth, train staff, and ensure compliance with court and department standards while coordinating with legal and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social services, or related field.
• Two+ years of employment in Probation/Court Services.
• Experience working with youth in a juvenile justice setting preferred.
• Must pass a criminal background check and a check of the child abuse registry.

Responsibilities

• Leads a Team of juvenile probation officers and supervises performance.
• Designs strategies and sets goals for employee growth.
• Trains and develops employees.
• Reviews and evaluates cases to ensure compliance with court and department standards.
• Attends meetings and participates in training and community education activities.
• Regularly audit cases and ensure proper risk assessments and case plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Employee development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

AOIC Supervisory certification

Job description

This position performs complex work related to providing direction, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, and managing the activities of a team. This position requires knowledge of how to sustain evidence-based practices (EBP’s), including: Functional Family Probation, Effective Practices in Correctional Settings II, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency, Moral Reconation Therapy, and the Juvenile Risk Assessment. This position is under moderate supervision.

Hours of Work

• Generally, 8am- 5pm Monday - Friday.

• Leads a Team of dedicated, professional, juvenile probation officers.
• Designs strategies and sets goals for employee growth.
• Trains and develops employees.
• Reviews, interprets, and evaluates cases to ensure compliance with court and department standards.
• Participates in department training, employee development, and community education activities.

• Attends and participates in meetings to keep current on laws and policies regarding the field of probation.
• Evaluates the work of employees and takes appropriate action in personnel matters.

• Prepares correspondence and reports.
• Attends case staffing and makes recommendations.
• Participates in interviews and makes recommendations for hiring and transfers.
• Regularly audit cases. Reads through case notes and case files to ensure that officers are properly scoring risk assessments, effectively using EBP modalities, creating appropriate case plans, and working with clients to maximize their opportunities for success.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

• Advanced interpersonal, managerial, and leadership skills necessary to provide effective guidance to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, management, appointed department heads, elected officials and vendors.
• Strong understanding of the juvenile justice system including federal, state, local laws and ordinances related to the area of assignment.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• General knowledge of evidence-based practices in the field of criminal justice.
• Knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Able to prepare moderately complex documents utilizing various computer applications related to work. Operating and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copies, facsimile machines, telephone systems.
• Strong knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Ability to research, compile and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.

• Collaboration skills while working in a team environment.
• Ability to problem solve.

Education and/or Work Experience and Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social services, or a related field
• Two or more years of employment in Probation/Court Services
• Experience working with youth in a juvenile justice setting preferred.

• Candidates for this position are required to have two years of related experience, preferably at a senior level.
• 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/

Other qualifications

• Citizen of the United States
• Resident of Illinois
• Valid driver's license
• Must pass a criminal background check and a check of the child abuse registry.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating machines, tools, or office equipment.
• Detention staff must have the ability to physically restrain a person who is uncooperative, combative or a danger to himself/herself or others.
• Must pass a physical examination