Juvenile Probation Division Director (Detention)

Job Summary

This job is at pay grade C17, effective 10/01/2022

Directs the overall operations, staff and functions of a division within a juvenile justice system through subordinate managers. Provides leadership, management and coordination in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating division operations in accordance with State, Federal and Local laws, policies, procedures and guidelines, and may provide direct supervision of youth in secure facilities. Develops division strategic plans to accomplish goals and objectives and improve effectiveness and efficiency of services. Directs the staffing, training, development and performance evaluation of division staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the second in a series of four juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Management job family. This classification is distinguished by the administrative and management duties and responsibilities performed in directing the staff and operations of a division through subordinate managers. This classification may require work in secure facilities, and may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs, plans, organizes, implements, monitors and evaluates the overall operations, staff and functions of a division. Directs and ensures conformity with State and Federal laws and guidelines, and policies and procedures for the health, safety and welfare of juveniles.

• Directs management and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions and dismissals, and ensures activities are consistent with goals and objectives. Seeks and creates opportunities for improved performance, learning and development of staff, and identifies and addresses problems or conflicts.

• Develops division strategic plans to accomplish goals and objectives and improve effectiveness and efficiency of services.

• Oversees and participates in development of division policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Directs the scheduling of day-to-day operations and staffing for the division.

• Prepares and reviews a variety of fiscal, administrative and statistical reports, and interprets findings. Evaluates current programs, procedures and practices on an on-going basis. Plans and develops policies, procedures and programs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness and monitors the division's workload to ensure that quality services are being provided.

• Prepares and administers division budget. Monitors and approves budget expenditures to ensure consistently with system goals and objectives and remaining available funds. Establishes internal control procedures for budget related activities.

• Provides high-level technical advice, policy interpretation and guidance for application of appropriate procedures to managers and other staff.

• Represents the department and serves as a liaison for local and statewide committees and task forces, advisory groups and the general public. Serves as spokesperson to media and outside agencies.

• 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:

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in a social service, community corrections or a juvenile agency, including three (3) years of mid- to senior level 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)

Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint technique).

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:

One (1) year of experience in full time casework management.

Correctional administration experience.

Knowledge of:

• Management principles, practices and techniques.

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.

• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.

• Budgetary practices and techniques.

• 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:

• Directing management and staff, allocating resources and evaluating programs.

• Strategic planning, developing, monitoring and evaluating programs

• Leadership and collaboration.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Developing and monitoring program budgets.

• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

Ability to:

• Direct, motivate, train, develop and evaluate staff.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures and strategic and operational plans.

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate program initiatives.

• Serve as a high-level technical consultant and liaison.

• Prepare administrative and statistical reports.

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

• Prepare correspondence, memorandums and other written materials.

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

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, 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: Works some holidays, Works some nights, Works some weekends

Department: Juvenile Probation

Location: 2515 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

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

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks 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.