Juvenile Probation Officer Lead

Juvenile Probation Officer Lead

Salary

$62,318.07 - $77,897.59 Annually

Location

2515 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-10922

Department

Juvenile Probation

Opening Date

10/20/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

This JPO Lead position will be assigned to the Deferred Prosecution Unit (DPU). JPOs in DPU are responsible for supervising juvenile offenders who are diverted from the formal court process. Eligible juveniles are typically new to the system. The unit usually supervises youth for six months. The DPU contract specifies rules for youth to follow similar to formal probation. Successful completion of the DPU contract results in the closure of the case without the need to move forward with formal court proceedings. The JPO Lead will carry a smaller caseload to assist the Casework Manager with administrative duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the fifth in a series of five juvenile probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification typically functions as a working lead over the activities of other juvenile probation positions in addition to the normal range of duties. This classification is distinguished from the Juvenile Probation Officer III in that incumbents typically have more responsibilities and duties performed are of the most complex nature and type. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Trains, assigns, schedules and reviews work of employees. Guides staff in assessment, planning and case supervision by consultation & case reviews.
• Assists the Casework Manager in auditing cases and supervising the unit.
• Reviews the results of periodic caseload audits to assure compliance with state laws, regulations, court rules, and division policies and procedures.
• May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of the Casework Manager.
• Maintains client files and records consistent with laws and policies.
• Conducts investigations on the background of each case, which includes interviewing clients, their families and other significant contacts.
• Reviews documentation, such as police reports, court transcripts and criminal records and makes assessments regarding the nature of the individual's environmental, employment, financial or domestic difficulties as they apply to the case.
• Makes recommendations for sentencing and disposition of probationer and prepares probation plans.
• Supervises and counsels high risk adjudicated juveniles, which may include certification and/or determinate sentence hearings, or juveniles whose conduct indicates a need for supervision.
• Supervises and monitors juveniles on probation through regular home, school and office visits and other needed contacts.
• Determines the needs of the client and family and develops supervision plans for clients.
• May supervise specialized caseload of clients.
• Assures client's understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the court's order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of probation.
• Addresses violations of court orders by taking appropriate action.
• Coordinates case management with representatives of criminal justice and social service agencies.
• May serve as liaison on higher-level departmental issues.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling as needed.
• Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals. Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol and drug testing mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs.
• Develops client placement plans, including completing placement applications, purchasing clothing, obtaining medical and psychological reports, and maintaining contact with clients in placement.
• Appears and testifies in court, conducts urinalysis, requests and executes warrants, serves summons or other court reports, obtains consents and other required paperwork.
• Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning alternative forms of sentencing, treatment, custody release, suspension of sentence, release into treatment facilities, out-of-custody probation supervision, and compliance and progress during probation.
• Prepares statistical reports and summaries related to work performed.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND three (3) years of experience in case management, a social service, community corrections or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons AND six (6) months of increasingly responsible experience in project lead, case management in social services, community corrections, or juvenile agency.

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 techniques).

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:

Project, lead or supervisory experience.

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA and other federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Training, supervising and reviewing the work of others.
• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• 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.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to 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: Monday-Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 PM

Location: 2515 S. Congress Ave Austin, Texas 78744

Department: Juvenile Probation

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

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

New employees are eligible to telework after a minimum of 6 months in their position. Certified JPOs are able to telework 2 days out of the week.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: bianca.davis@traviscountytx.gov

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.

Benefits

Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.

FY2027 Travis County Benefit Guide

In this valuable Travis County Benefits Guide you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.

Credit Union

Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.

Direct Deposit

Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.

Employee Assistance Program

Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.

Employee Organizations

Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.

Employee Health & Wellness Clinic

Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.

Holidays

An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Insurance

Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.

The following benefits are employee paid:

• Dental
• Vision
• Supplemental Life, AD&D
• Dependent Life
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Long Term Care

New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.

Longevity

Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.

On the regular payday on or after the employees fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.

Parking

A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.

Personal Holidays

Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:

January - March

3 personal holidays

April - June

2 personal holidays

July - September

1 personal holiday

October - December

None

New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.

Retirement

Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

Sick Leave

Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.

Parental Leave

Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.

Tuition Refund

Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.

Vacation

Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:

0 to 5 years

4.0 hours per pay period

6 to 10 years

4.5 hours per pay period

11 to 15 years

5.0 hours per pay period

16 to 20 years

5.5 hours per pay period

21 plus years

6.0 hours per pay period

Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.

Workers Compensation

The county provides all employees workers compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a directly related field?

• No degree in a related field
• Associate's degree in a related field
• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Master's degree or higher in a related field

02

How many years of experience do you have in social services, criminal justice, or a related field?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3 years or more

Required Question

Employer Travis County

Address 700 Lavaca Street

Austin, Texas, 78701

Website https://www.traviscountytx.gov/human-resources/jobs