JPD- Deputy Chief Probation Officer/RYD

JOB TITLE: Deputy Chief Probation Officer
LOCATION: 1100 S Hamilton Ave
Chicago, Il 60612
GRADE: 22
SALARY: 57.179 hourly/118,932 annually
Bargaining
Unit: Non-Union

Project Reimagine Administrator/Deputy Chief Probation Officer

Job Summary
The Deputy Chief Probation Officer is a Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services Senior Manager with two or more levels of professional staff under his/her administrative direction or management, and who will lead multiple Secure and/or Non-Secure Center of Cares of a population of residents while overseeing the work of the staff that supports those residents. The DCPO coordinates and directs staff job activities to ensure compliance with all Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services objectives and regulatory and operational standards.

Typical Duties

1. Develops, approves, and monitors work schedules of all assigned unit staff to ensure accountability within the assigned Unit.
2. Monitor and ensure appropriate staff-to-youth ratios and adequate coverage across all shifts, including holidays and weekends.
3. Manage the daily operations of a 24/7/365 shelter for youth ages 10–17, ensuring safety, supervision, and compliance with licensing and regulatory standards.
4. Oversee intake, assessment, and discharge procedures in coordination with juvenile justice, law enforcement, and child welfare agencies.
5. Initiates Quality of Life reviews of all Unit programs/services to promote accountability of required conditions of confinement, resident scheduling, record keeping/documentation, etc.
6. Provides critical analysis of site activities to the Director/Chief Probation Officer related to incidents, resident rule violations, resident grievances, use of behavior management continuum, etc. and to identify trends and characteristics and to adjust where appropriate.
7. Develop and enforce policies and procedures to guide shelter activities, staffing, and youth care practices.
8. Develops methods to advance the effective and efficient communication of policy and promotes feedback and analysis from assigned staff that promotes collaborative decision making and problem-solving process.
9. Respond to critical incidents, youth crises, and emergencies, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.
10. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate shelter staff, including shift supervisors, youth care workers, and case managers.
11. Provide regular supervision, coaching, and performance management to support staff development and retention.
12. Coordinate ongoing staff training on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and youth development.
13. Ensure youth receive appropriate services including education, mental and physical healthcare, recreation, counseling, and life skills development.
14. Monitor youth progress and collaborate with case managers to support individualized care and service plans.
15. Maintain a structured and therapeutic environment, promoting positive behavior and personal growth.
16. Serve as the primary point of contact between the shelter and the juvenile detention center.
17. Coordinate the delivery of in-center programs by external community agencies (e.g., education, mentoring, substance use counseling).
18. Facilitate continuity of care by linking detained youth with community-based services upon their release.
19. Collaborate with detention staff and program partners to identify needs, fill service gaps, and promote positive youth outcomes.
20. Build and maintain partnerships with local service providers, school districts, behavioral health agencies, and juvenile justice stakeholders.
21. Represent the shelter in interagency meetings, juvenile justice collaborations, and community forums.
22. Advocate for youth and shelter needs with internal leadership and external partners.
23. Manage shelter budgets, approve purchases, and ensure efficient use of resources.
24. Oversee data collection, program evaluation, and compliance reporting for funders and regulatory agencies.
25. Prepare reports, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve service delivery and outcomes.
26. Leads by example and establishes an environment that promotes Professionalism Accountability Communication Teamwork.
27. Completes an approved 80-hour course of study/training related to youth in juvenile confinement within six (6) months of employment.
28. On-call 24/7 with the ability to report to the facility during non-traditional hours to address supervisory call offs or emergency situations.
29. Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or other human services related field AND at least two (2) years employment in the juvenile justice system, including juvenile probation, youth detention, corrections, and/or community residential services, with at least one (1) year of employment that required direct and continuous supervision of juvenile justice-involved youth OR
2. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Education or other related Human Services field AND at least three (3) years employment in the juvenile justice system, including juvenile probation, youth detention, corrections, and/or community residential services, with at least two (2) years of employment that required direct and continuous supervision of juvenile justice-involved youth.
3. United States citizenship.
4. 21 years of age at the time of application submission.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

1. Understanding of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and behavior management strategies.
2. Familiarity with the juvenile justice system, juvenile detention operations, court processes, diversion programs, and reentry services.
3. Knowledge of local service networks for youth, including education, behavioral health, and housing supports.
4. Working knowledge of licensing requirements, child welfare regulations, and mandated reporting laws.
5. Knowledge of safety planning, risk assessment, and critical incident response.
6. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse staff team across all shifts; manage performance and support professional growth.
7. Skilled in organizing and delivering services, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring program quality.
8. Skilled in de-escalating situations, managing conflict constructively, and maintaining a calm presence during emergencies.
9. Ability to assess complex situations, evaluate options, and make sound decisions in real-time.
10. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
11. Ability to work effectively with youth and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
12. Comfortable managing shifting priorities, unanticipated events, and rotating schedules.
13. Ability to build relationships across systems (e.g., detention, schools, health care, nonprofits) to ensure coordinated care.
14. Committed to maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional and ethical standards in youth care.
15. Willingness to work non-traditional hours as needed (evenings, weekends, holidays) and respond to after-hours emergencies.
16. Ability to remain composed, objective, and supportive in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
17. Passion for advocating for youth, especially those impacted by systems involvement, poverty, or trauma.
18. Often required for transporting youth or traveling between facilities and partner sites.

Physical Requirements
[ This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.]

1. Ability to move desks, beds and other furniture to conduct security checks.
2. Ability to step up on elevated surfaces, such as beds or stools, to conduct room searches.
3. Reaching, bending, and stooping to perform security checks, housekeeping and other tasks.
4. Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.
5. Ability to physically restrain residents, including the ability to manage weights of 75lbs. to 200 lbs. when restraining adolescents.

Working Conditions

1. Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and require safe physical management skills.
2. Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.
3. Exposure to youth with various states of cleanliness and hygiene.
4. Exposure to various health related conditions or residents of a communicable nature which requires precaution and adhering to medical instruction.
5. Exposure to communicable diseases of youth.

Hiring Requirements

1. Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.
2. Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
3. A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.
4. Must pass required and nationally recognized written examination(s) for direct care and supervisory positions.
5. Meet additional minimum requirements for eligibility established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
6. Open availability including weekends and holidays; ability to work the hours necessary to maintain the operation of the facility.
7. Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Competitive Salaries
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Uniforms Provided

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.

This position has an Administrative Office of the Illinois Court (AOIC) requirement, if an offer of employment is extended to you, you will be required to show immediate proof of AOIC Certification. If you are AOIC certified please upload your letter, and if not please move forward with completing the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court certification application. Link is below.

Employment | Probation/Court Services (illinoiscourts.gov)

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.