JOB TITLE: JUVENILE COURT POLICY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 41460

DEFINITION: This is professional and consultative work developing, implementing, and overseeing juvenile court and probation policies and programs for the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission (JCJC).

An employee in this job evaluates and develops programs, plans, proposals, policies, and standards to improve the delivery of juvenile court and probation services. Work involves recommending and developing policy modifications, assisting in the determination of program needs and objectives, proposing changes in program planning and content, and providing technical guidance on the operation of juvenile court programs. Work includes providing expert assistance to judges, chief probation officers, and consultants regarding program methods and techniques; meeting with government agencies, legislators, and other stakeholders to promote effective juvenile court policies, services, and programs; and assisting groups in improving and understanding the function of juvenile courts and the juvenile probation system. An important aspect of the work involves evaluating existing and proposed federal and state legislation and advising the Executive Director and Deputy Director on the status and programmatic impact of all new and pending legislation. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Director and is reviewed through meetings and reports for attainment of goals and objectives, and for adherence to applicable policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists in planning, organizing, and directing a program for the examination, evaluation, standardization, and improvement of juvenile court procedures and practices in the Commonwealth.

• Develops and revises juvenile court standards and makes recommendations for adoption by the JCJC.

• Analyzes legislation and advises the Executive Director and Deputy Director on the provisions of all bills introduced in the legislature that affect delinquent and dependent children.

• Reviews federal and state regulations pertinent to juvenile court issues to ensure consistency with JCJC policies and standards.

• Maintains working relationships with judges, state officials, representatives of private agencies, legislators, and other individuals involved in or concerned with juvenile courts or juvenile probation.

• Promotes the appropriate use of the juvenile courts by presenting information to concerned groups and organizations.

• Provides leadership and expert guidance to juvenile courts regarding the development of programs to improve operations.

• Serves as a liaison between the JCJC, juvenile courts, and the legislature for issues impacting delinquent and dependent children.

• Promotes appropriate youth-related programs to aid groups seeking to improve the functioning of juvenile courts.

• Develops and provides trainings and seminars regarding the juvenile justice system, laws, practices and procedures, and the provisions and impact of new and pending legislation.

• Oversees staff assigned to support inter-agency programs and initiatives.

• Reviews and evaluates agency program objectives, policies, and standards.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used to evaluate and develop evidence-based service delivery improvement programs.

• Knowledge of laws, legislation, regulations, and procedural rules governing the operation of juvenile courts and juvenile probation departments.

• Knowledge of the resources and service delivery systems available to meet the social, economic, and health needs of juveniles.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of program planning and organization.

• Knowledge of the legislative process.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations and develop recommendations.

• Ability to effectively present policy recommendations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.)

• One year of experience as a Juvenile Court Consultant (Commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of professional juvenile justice experience that includes two years of administrative or consultative work, and a master's degree in juvenile justice, criminal justice, behavioral science, policy analysis and planning, public administration, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.