Director of Juvenile Services - Chief Juvenile Probation Officer

Director of Juvenile Services - Chief Juvenile Probation Officer

Salary

$116,561.00 Annually

Location

Smith County Juvenile Services, 2630 Morningside Drive, Tyler, TX

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

00674

Department

Juvenile Services, Probation

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

9/6/2026 12:00 AM Central

• Description
• Benefits

Summary/Objective

Smith County Juvenile Services is seeking a highly motivated and visionary leader to serve as its next Director of Juvenile Services and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.

This executive leadership position is responsible for the overall administration, management, and operation of the Smith County Juvenile Services Department which includes juvenile detention, juvenile probation, court services, residential H.O.P.E. Academy, prevention and intervention initiatives, and community partnerships. The Director serves as the administrative head of the department and reports directly to the Smith County Juvenile Board. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership that promotes accountability, rehabilitation, public safety, and positive outcomes for youth and families while ensuring compliance with the Texas Family Code,

Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team committed to excellence in juvenile justice while fostering collaboration among the judiciary, county officials, law enforcement agencies, schools, treatment providers, community organizations, and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all operations of the Smith County Juvenile Services Department.
• Provide leadership for Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Detention, Court Services, H.O.P.E. Academy, prevention and intervention services, and community-based programs.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve services, operational efficiency, and youth outcomes.
• Develop, revise, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all Texas Juvenile Justice Department Standards, Texas Family Code requirements, county policies, and applicable federal and state laws.
• Promote evidence-based practices designed to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
• Ensure the department maintains a culture of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate existing programs and implement improvements based upon data analysis and best practices.
• Develop new programming that addresses community needs and improves juvenile outcomes.
• Ensure quality assurance measures are implemented throughout the department.
• Oversee departmental audits, inspections, investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Develop, prepare, and administer the department's annual operating budget.
• Monitor expenditures and maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee grant applications, grant administration, and grant compliance.
• Manage contracts, purchasing, equipment acquisitions, and departmental resources.
• Prepare financial reports and present budget recommendations to the Juvenile Board and Commissioners Court.
• Maintain confidentiality of juvenile records in accordance with state and federal law.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate department personnel.
• Develop leadership among management staff and supervisors.
• Address employee performance issues and administer disciplinary actions when appropriate.
• Ensure all personnel maintain required certifications and continue education.
• Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and professional growth.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, probation, corrections, or related human services.
• Minimum of three (3) years of executive or supervisory management experience.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must meet all eligibility requirements established by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, Behavioral Science, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Texas Juvenile Probation Officer Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain certification.
• Valid Texas Driver License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Position requires the ability to see, hear, and speak as well as color and depth perception. Position requires the ability to lift more than 30 pounds.

Travel

Must be able to travel to and from county facilities as needed.

HOLIDAYS

Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Administrative Day (Employees Choice)

Each year, Commissioners Court sets the official holiday schedule.

VACATION LEAVE

1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).

SICK LEAVE

1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.

SICK LEAVE POOL

Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.

MILITARY LEAVE

Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:

(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,

(2) public service assignment,

(3) attending to important personal business.

CITIZENSHIP LEAVE

Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.

DRUG CARD COVERAGE

Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.

• Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.

LIFE INSURANCE

Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employees expense.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE

Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.

RETIREMENT

Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.

For additional benefits information click on the link below:

https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/human-resources/benefits

Employer Smith County

Address 200 E. Ferguson Street

Suite 202

Tyler, Texas, 75702

Phone 903-590-4641

Website http://www.smith-county.com