JOB TITLE: Juvenile Caseworker

REPORTS TO: Family Division Manager/Referee

SUMMARY:

Investigates assigned juvenile delinquency cases and recommends appropriate disposition, supervises assigned probationers, maintains case documentation and performs other functions related to case supervision.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(An * denotes duties or responsibilities judged to be “essential job functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA)

  • Interviews law enforcement officers, client, victims, school officials, client's family, agencies involved with client, and other pertinent parties. Reviews incident reports and police records, assesses home environment, and obtains other relevant information necessary for a dispositional recommendation.*
  • Assesses information obtained during investigations and recommends the most appropriate disposition, including placement, treatment plans and other relevant terms and conditions.*
  • Meets regularly with assigned probationers to discuss and monitor compliance with terms and conditions of probation. Obtains, reviews and discusses attendance records, treatment status/progress reports with school officials, treatment agencies and others involved with probationers.*
  • Advises youths and their families about basic employment, family relationship, and educational issues. Makes referrals to outside agencies for counseling and treatment as necessary.*
  • Responds to crisis and emergency intake situations and determines the most appropriate reaction in accordance with case history and court policies and procedures.*
  • Consults with child care facility staff, treatment agency staff and others regarding the status, needs and progress of assigned youths. Participates in development and modification of treatment plans.*
  • Appears and testifies in court regarding case investigations and recommendations.*
  • Prepare progress reports on juveniles for court hearings.*
  • Documents interaction with probationers, probationers' families and others involved with probationers, including telephone calls, visitation, and other relevant contacts during case supervision. Establishes and maintains personal files for each case.*
  • Meets with youths in violation of court ordered terms and conditions of probation and attempts to obtain voluntary compliance. Initiates the issuance of show cause notices and bench warrants for violations of terms and conditions of probation.*
  • Interviews prospective adoptive parents, assesses home environment and prepares reports of findings for adoption proceedings.*
  • Participates in the development and monitoring of programs designed to assist juveniles and families. Assigns youths to programs and monitors attendance and progress.*
  • May transport juveniles to locations such as detention facilities, community service sites, evaluations, and counseling.
  • Conducts random alcohol and drug testing in accordance with established court policy. Submits tests to designated laboratories for results verification.
  • May assist in all 46th Circuit Trial Court Divisions when necessary to meet the needs of the court.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.