Juvenile Court Officer

Juvenile Court Officer

Salary

$61,342.51 - $90,888.78 Annually

Location

313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Job Number

202600141

Department

Family Court - GPB

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

FAM CT PRO

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

A Juvenile Court Officer's responsibilities are: 1) to investigate and prepare written documentation and recommendations for the Court; 2) establish, implement and monitor treatment programs; and 3) supervise and counsel assigned minors and their families. The Juvenile Court Officer serves as a liaison between various professionals and agencies providing treatment services.

Essential Functions

• Conducts investigations on delinquent, neglect, adoption, truancy or emancipation cases initiated on apprehension and/or referral to the Court in order to develop a social history, make observations on the family situation, and develop a case plan and recommendations for each case using approved evaluation tools.
• Analyzes case histories, observations, other available information and also does a factual investigation of actual charges to determine the problem behavior regarding the child and the parents, and makes recommendations on a treatment program designed to ameliorate or eliminate the problem.
• Is immediately responsible for the minors custody or physical placement as soon as a minor enters the Court system. Recommends appropriate changes of placement to the Judge or referee. Sets up and monitors all visitations.
• Provides supervision and counseling of minors and parents regarding family problems and conflicts by conducting weekly face-to-face contacts. These contacts require JCOs to use a structured approach and apply effective intervention practices that are based on cognitive behavioral treatment, social skills training, mindfulness, parenting skills and goal setting. Training and accuracy to adhere to these principles are required and fidelity is monitored by a Juvenile Risk Assessment team member.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation and hearing reports. Testifies regarding the facts of the charge(s) and makes recommendations to the Judge or referee at disposition. Attends all hearings of assigned minors and parents, both contested and non-contested Preliminary Hearings, Pre-Trial Hearings, Dispositional Hearings, Show-Cause Hearings, and Case Reviews. (of minors on their caseload.)
• Monitors regular visitations of minors and parents and assesses their academic and Court ordered treatment programs progress. Coordinates program efforts with staff to assure physical and emotional needs are met.
• Arranges for clothing, medical mental health, and dental care of clients including transportation.
• Maintains regular contacts with other agencies such as schools, police, public and private social agencies who may have involvement, and visits delinquent minors at the Ingham County Youth Center, Ingham County Jail, or other correctional and youth detention centers as necessary.
• Maintains a current log of all contacts and keeps case files up-to-date. Prepares a variety of petitions regarding assigned cases. Also serves legal papers such as court orders and summons.
• Transportation duties include physically transporting clients and/or their families to court facilities, appointments, hearings, community service assignments, institutions or other such places deemed necessary.
• Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Supervision and evaluation of student interns performing field work responsibilities at the Court. Will complete all necessary evaluations and paperwork to assess progress.
• Uses independent judgment to screen clients for appropriate treatment programs such as Intensive Probation Services, Michigan State University Mentor Program, Intensive Neglect Services, Horizon Program, Specialty Courts, and various community services agencies.
• Monitors progress towards Court ordered goals and determines consequences for violating program guidelines or requirements. Consequences can include but are not limited to; community service, tether, request for detention for delinquent youth, or petition for Emergency Removal for neglect parents.
• Uses independent judgment in unusual and crisis situations as it relates to neglect and delinquent children and families. Includes screening clients for mental health intervention and preliminary safety planning. May be required to physically restrain aggressive and/or hostile clients using approved crisis intervention skills.
• Complies with Victim Rights laws, contacts and restitution negotiation, and collection. Contacts victims to establish appropriate restitution and/or community service for delinquent minor. Will make this recommendation in court.
• Co-leads support groups for target populations providing intensive intervention and rehabilitation and assists other community service agencies.
• Organizes and facilitates programming for youth including Summer Enrichment Programs for Court wards, and special event programs.
• Administers and witnesses urinalysis screens, Preliminary Breath Tests (PBTS) and mouth swab screens on adult and youth clientele. Arrange for and monitor alcohol measuring devices on adult and youth clientele.
• Supervised and monitors the use of Tethers for compliance including administering and removing appliance. Monitors progress utilizing computer software and devices.
• JCOs can be assigned to any department within the Court including Intake, Standard or Intensive Probation, Truancy, Intensive Neglect Services, Ingham Academy, Community Placement, or Aftercare. JCOs can be assigned to a Specialty Court which could require further training, more frequent reporting and attendance at community programs or events. May also present at trainings or conferences.

Utilizing a thorough knowledge of available resources gained through experience, assists Juvenile Court officers and other court staff in the development and implementation of court Programs.

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.
• Responsible for ensuring that Finger and DNA orders are completed for each petition, including taking fingerprints on a Live Scan machine.
• Complete mandatory state paperwork for juveniles to file as registered sex offenders, monitor compliance with state mandates and requirements. Ensure clients completes mandatory STD testing.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.)

Employment Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree or graduation from 4-year college or university required. Training in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Family Sciences or related fields of study highly preferred. Must submit college transcripts.

Experience: Must have a minimum of 24 months previous and related work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth. Experience in dealing with the Michigan Juvenile code helpful. Must have good analytical and public relations skills.

Other Requirements:

• Manage and learn computer based Court management systems.

• Good critical thinking skills and social perceptiveness.

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license.

• Requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

• Strong time management and the ability to multitask over multiple cases and responsibilities.

• Required to own an insured, legal vehicle.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

(The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.)

Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Required to visually scan, review and read legal documents to individuals and associated parties during investigations.

• Must be able to listen to statements and make a written record of their findings.

• Use of a standard voice telephone system for communication with the general public is required.

• Must be physically able to access public and private facilities and residential homes.

• Requires continuous stamina in sitting, walking, typing and enduring repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.

• Requires periodic stamina in balancing, twisting, bending, stooping/crouching, squatting, kneeling. The use of CPI Training, or other Court approved program, to de-escalate situations or restrain children and youth if needed.

• Requires the ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter and retrieve information from a computer. Including using online technology including Zoom, FaceTime and other teleconferencing software.

(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the requirements listed above. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.)

Working Conditions:

• Works in office, school and community conditions.

• May work in various off-site locations throughout the county.

• Exposed to bodily fluids i.e. saliva, urine, blood and feces.

• Regular contacts with persons charged and/or convicted of criminal offenses.

• Works outside, including driving a motor vehicle, in all types of weather conditions.

• May encounter physical altercations in the course of location or arrest efforts.

• All jobs require an employee to be exposed to hazardous work conditions i.e. client homes and personal searches, performing safe restraints, dogs/animals, exposure to communicable diseases within a high-risk population and volatile clientele.

• JCOs are required to enter situations/homes/living arrangements where the actual level of danger is unknown. This included dangerous pets, individuals with violent backgrounds/records, or unsafe living conditions.

• Employees may be subject to call after hours

• All jobs require travel. Some jobs require travel out of state.

• Require work in adversarial situations/hostile environment i.e. domestic violence, weapons, personal threats, and physical assaults.

• Ensuring personal and client safety regarding COVID-19 in an environment with considerable client contact including meeting in-home, transporting clients, restraint of clients, and in-office meetings.

• This position is exposed to individuals in crisis. These individuals may suffer from mental or emotional illness, have violent tendencies, or be unconcerned with their personal safety or hygiene.

July 2023

OPEIU Family Court 7

This position is benefited and is subject to the OPEIU FAMILY COURT GROUP CBA.

Ingham County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information.

The current group contract can be viewed here.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate the degree you have and what it is in, if not applicable type N/A.

03

Do you have work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth?

• I have no experience
• I have 6 months of experience
• I have 12 months of experience
• I have 19 months of experience
• I have 24 months of experience
• I have 36+ months of experience

04

Briefly describe your work experience in dealing with delinquent/at risk youth, if not applicable type N/A.

05

Please list 3 people who have direct knowledge of your skills experience and fitness for the position or field for which your applying for. Please include their name, email address and phone number. (do not type see resume)

06

Did you submit your transcripts or diploma showing your degree awarded, if not please explain why.

07

Did you submit your cover letter and resume?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Ingham County

Address 5303 S. Cedar St.

Suite 2102

Lansing, Michigan, 48911

Phone 517-887-4328

Website http://ingham.org