JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUVENILE COURT JUDGES’ COMMISSION

JOB CODE: 41470

DEFINITION: This is professional administrative work directing the programs of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges' Commission (JCJC).

The employee in this job is responsible for the overall development, implementation, and direction of programs in the areas of juvenile court policy and practices, and juvenile probation policy and practices. Work involves determining program needs and objectives, proposing changes in program planning and content to the commission, establishing policies and standards for operating juvenile courts and juvenile probation programs, and making recommendations for further development and modification of policies. Work includes meeting with judges, chief probation officers, and consultants to discuss program approaches and techniques. Work involves meeting with federal, state, or local government agencies, other groups, or private citizens to promote the appropriate use of the juvenile court and to assist groups in improving the function of juvenile courts and juvenile court programs. Supervision is exercised over staff providing professional consultative services to courts and agencies. Work is performed independently in accordance with the JCJC policies and is evaluated based on program effectiveness.

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.)

• Plans, organizes, and directs a program for the examination, evaluation, and improvement of procedures and practices of juvenile courts and juvenile probation.

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

• Establishes policies and standards for operating juvenile courts and probation offices.

• Provides leadership and guidance to juvenile courts in the development of programs to improve court operations.

• Administers a statewide program for grants-in-aid for juvenile courts and juvenile probation.

• Represents the JCJC in dealings with federal, state, and local agencies, other organizations, and private citizens to promote appropriate youth related programs and to assist in the improvement of juvenile court operations.

• Reviews federal and state juvenile court and probation plans and legislation and makes recommendations on the same to the commission.

• Directs professional employees engaged in improving and standardizing practices in juvenile court and juvenile probation by providing overall planning and organization of work.

• Reviews staff work plans to coordinate methods of achieving program goals.

• Maintains contacts and working relationships with juvenile court consultants, other state officials, representatives of private agencies, and other individuals involved in or concerned with juvenile court or probation agencies to discuss program approaches and techniques.

• Makes speeches to groups and organizations to promote the appropriate use of juvenile courts and to effect improved practices in them.

• Coordinates preparation of the JCJC budget and determines personnel needs.

• Manages the administrative details of meetings of the JCJC, such as preparing the agenda and recording the minutes.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee 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 service delivery improvement programs for juvenile court and probation services.

• 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 juvenile offenders.

• Knowledge of the causes, treatments, and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

• Knowledge of individual and group juvenile behavior.

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

• Knowledge of research methodologies.

• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods.

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

• Ability to evaluate legislation and identify potential impacts to programs.

• Ability to plan and direct the work of others.

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

• Ability to effectively communicate orally.

• Ability to effectively communicate 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 Deputy Director, Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission (commonwealth title);

or

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

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.