Juvenile Probation Officer I

Juvenile Probation Officer I

Opening 25142366. This role is a professional human services and social work position that involves the direction, supervision, and guidance of juveniles on probation and/or placement outside the home.

Job Overview

Work includes working with juveniles, their families, school staff, and representatives from social service and law enforcement agencies to preserve the unity and welfare of the family; provide care, protection, and wholesome mental and physical development of the juvenile; prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and/or chemical dependency; and ensure that juvenile pay restitution to victims as ordered by the court.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate case, police, and arrest reports to determine validity of criminal charges and make appropriate referrals to the county attorney’s office; conduct intake hearings and forward appropriate cases to the county attorney for prosecution.
• Make initial assessment of youth to determine risk level, mental health, and chemical dependency problems; interview youth, families, victims, school personnel, professional service providers and others to gather factual and social information; assess information and recommend appropriate placements and/or treatments.
• Complete timely and accurate court reports, testify in court and maintain contact with parents, coordinate implementation of case plans.
• Provide counseling, develop case plans and monitor compliance with probation conditions; crisis intervention services and referrals.
• Assist in policy development, committees, and specialized areas such as youth drug court or restitution program.

Working Conditions

• Primarily an office environment with exposure to violent or non-compliant youth or family members; on-call for evenings and weekends; latex gloves worn when obtaining urine samples.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for long periods, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, lifting, carrying light to medium objects, operating office equipment; driving long periods in various weather conditions.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles of youth probation work, child and adolescent development, community resources, court procedures.
• Ability to persuade, prepare reports, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work as a team.
• Computer proficiency with word processing applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, human services, or criminal justice.
• One year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, youth services, or social services.
• Valid Montana driver’s license; proof of insurance if using a personal vehicle for state business.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, family friendly policies, dedicated and caring colleagues, health coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, professional growth, PSLF.

Application

Required application materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References. The first review of applications will be October 22nd, 2025. Submit documents on the State of Montana Careers website and check the “relevant document” box.

Contact

Mandi Edlin
Email: mandi.edlin@mt.gov
Phone: 406-841-2965

EEO Statement

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. The agency is responsible for recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff mentioned. The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications.