Juvenile Case Work Manager (Sndp/Cope Unit-Probation)

Job Summary

Travis County Juvenile Probation is seeking a Case Work Manager to supervise the personnel and operations of the Special Needs Diversionary Program (SNDP) and Collaborative Opportunities for Positive Experiences (COPE) Mental Health Court within the Probation Services Division.

The SNDP/COPE Unit is responsible for providing specialized supervision and case management to youth and families in need of mental health stabilization and linkage to services and support. Both programs in this unit aim to divert youth from moving deeper into the juvenile justice system by linking them with appropriate community and mental health supports. For this opportunity, we are looking for an individual with experience leading, managing and supporting a team, as well as successfully problem-solving and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

This person manages compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and guidelines and departmental policies and procedures. May be assigned oversight of the facility and administrative functions in the absence of the Division Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the daily operations of employees assigned to supervise and monitor progress of clients within the juvenile justice system. Interviews, hires, trains, manages, develops and evaluates employee performance. Counsels employees as necessary to improve performance. Disciplines and terminates employees, as required.

• Plans, schedules, distributes and monitors workload. Ensures work is performed in accordance with laws, policies and procedures. Sets priorities on tasks. Oversees functions to ensure work is completed and objectives are met.

• Evaluates, recommends and initiates change in office policies and procedures. Prepares reports. Assists in analyzing operations. Assists in budget preparation.

• Provides oversight and guidance to staff and makes recommendations on the more complex client issues.

• Prepares reports, compiles statistics and monitors the unit's workload to ensure that quality services are being provided.

• Conducts research, plans programs, policies and procedures, goals and objectives of the unit. Develops, implements and evaluates programs to address specialized needs and provides clinical program oversight.

• May manage an assigned caseload. Conducts case reviews and audits, and develops, implements and reviews case management systems. Maintains case files and computer records on each case.

• Investigates and processes complaints from clients and their families, citizens, public and private agencies, attorneys, judges and others. Resolves problems.

• Assists with the coordination of division functions with other divisions.

• Represents the department in coordinating activities with other departments, various law enforcement agencies, governmental and other agencies.

• May perform administrative division tasks, staff meetings and chair staff committees. May be assigned oversight of the facility and administrative functions in the absence of the Division Manager.

• May coordinate client's transportation needs according to policy and procedures.

• Provides direct supervision of all clients' daily activities when working in secure facilities, including maintaining accountability of all clients and equipment and ensuring that the environment is safe, clean and secure; ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior. Implements corrective discipline plans and programs, as required; facilitates cognitive skill groups and relaxation training for clients; provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required; documents clients' behavior and enters into department computer information system; monitors security and fire alarm systems, including closed circuit monitors; maintains communication with facility posts; maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care; physically restrains aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required; may assist in investigating incidents involving clients.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

If not assigned to Domestic Relations:

Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Criminal Justice or a directly related field AND four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in social services, community corrections, or juvenile agency, including at least one (1) year in lead, supervisory or management experience;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer or eligible for certification by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint technique).

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge of:

• Family law and the District Court system.

• Conciliation and mediation concepts.

• Management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.

• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.

• Standard practices in area of assignment.

• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Supervising others.

• Developing general and specific programs to reach certain segments of the public.

• Public speaking and content delivery.

• Negotiating, interviewing and investigating practices and techniques.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Train and supervise office personnel.

• Plan, assign, motivate, and coordinate work of support staff to achieve specific service objectives.

• Accurately assess the present and future needs of a child, to present that child's case and advocate their best interests in court as well as out of court for as long as the case is in the court system.

• Evaluate psychological and other professional reports.

• Research and maintain legal concepts.

• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.

• Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.

• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.

• Independently prepare correspondence and memorandums and other materials.

• Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of fiscal, statistical and administrative reports.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, children, judges and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, squatting to perform the essential functions. Requires exposure to hostile behavior from clients. May be subject to contact with noise, vibration, fumes, foul odor, dirt, dust, mist, gases and poor ventilation. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to stressful environment and client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Schedule May Vary. Works some holidays, Works some nights, Works some weekends

Department: Juvenile Probation

Location: 2515 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test, Psychological Exam Required.

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Check Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.