Truancy Case Coordinator bei Hays County, TX

About the Department

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below.  This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Provides case management and informal counseling to juveniles and to parents of juveniles under court orders issued under the Education Code (relating to mandatory school attendance).  Monitors all aspects of juvenile’s case related to conditions of deferral, including visits with juvenile’s family and other significant contacts. Monitors juveniles’ school attendance and behavior and reports to the Judge of the Court in which the case manager is employed. Under general supervision, the Case Manager performs a variety of case management support functions for the Hays County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 and the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2 Offices.

Individuals in this position serve at the pleasure of the current elected official.

Position Duties

Responsibilities (This 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).

• Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with juveniles to explain conditions of deferral order and assist juveniles in compliance.        Teaches juveniles and parents attributes and skills necessary to achieve success in compliance with court orders. 

• Supervises and monitors juveniles (at school, home, job and other places of contact in the community) on deferral for compliance and completion of deferred disposition orders relating to improving school attendance.  
• Monitors juveniles and determines progress and compliance through juvenile self-reporting, follow up by the case manager at home or school, and at court hearings.   Determines the needs of the juvenile and family and develops plans for the juveniles to achieve compliance.

• Conducts background investigations into each case, which includes interviewing juveniles, their families and other significant contacts.  Assesses the individual’s environment, familial, and social situation.
• Assures juvenile’s understanding of obligations with respect to conditions of the Court’s order and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of deferral.  Addresses violations of court 

orders by taking appropriate action.  Coordinates case management with representatives of the school and social service agencies.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with juveniles, representatives of outside agencies of other county staff, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.
• Coordinates with schools and/or school districts regarding access to school campuses and students. Gathers attendance and behavior reports from the schools.
• Conduct interviews with school administrators, teachers, counselors, and attendance officers regarding juveniles under Court orders.
• Reviews information and reports for compliance or non-compliance with court deferral orders and reports to the Court.
• Assists juveniles with various referrals, including, but not limited to counseling, treatment and job referrals.
• Verifies attendance and completion of alcohol, drug, mental health counseling and any other court ordered programs and provides individual informal counseling as needed.
• Prepares written assessments and recommendations to the court concerning the juvenile’s compliance and progress during probation.
• Assists Judge in court on appearance day and for show cause hearings.  Reviews court orders with juvenile and parents and appears and testifies in court.
• Coordinates and teaches classes that are specifically designed to address issues regarding the circumstances of the offense (e.g. Leadership and Parenting, Conflict Resolution, etc.).
• Coordinates community service projects for juveniles assigned to do community service.
• Coordinates with the Constables office and/or local law enforcement regarding arrest and transport of offenders as directed by the Court.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field

OR

Completion of Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field, within 6 months of hiring AND at least six (6) months’ experience working with adolescents.

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Other Qualifications

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred: 

Proficiency in Spanish and/or sign language.  

Experience in working with adolescents from low-income communities.