Juvenile probation and parole officers are referred to as court officers in North Dakota and operate within four units, each with a Director of Juvenile Court, several court officers and a supervisor. The supervisor assigns and helps manage caseloads, parolee supervision, and probation management. With offices in eight cities, these units provide customized treatment plans for each parolee and probationer.
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Plans of treatment begin with an analysis of the supervisee’s risk and need. In collaboration with Juvenile Correction Specialists, court officers assign parolees and probationers to community based programs that most readily address their specific needs. This may include mental health treatment, placement in a foster home or group care, or substance abuse recovery.
North Dakota juvenile court officers should be able to prepare reports which detail the exact nature of the criminal offense, which can by derived from interviews, school reports, police reports and victim interviews. Officers must usually attend court proceedings and present their reports. Officers usually provide critical recommendations concerning the pretrial release, bond requirements and judicial sentencing.
When assigned a parolee or probationer, court officers must monitor them to ensure compliance with the terms of the supervision. They also facilitate in acquiring employment, appropriate residence, drug testing, treatment options, community service and victim restitution. Officers often interface with community organizations and partnered government agencies. Reports on the progress of supervisees must usually be submitted to the juvenile court information system.
How to Become a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer in North Dakota
Candidates interested in learning how to become juvenile probation and parole officers in North Dakota must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in:
- Behavioral science
- Social work
- Criminal justice
There are a limited number juvenile probation and parole officer jobs in North Dakota and because these jobs can provide lucrative salaries around $48,000 annually, outstanding preparation is required to ensure optimal likelihood of employment. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement, professionals with a master’s or doctor’s degree are likely to enjoy greater competitive advantages throughout the selection process and career progression.
Well-qualified candidates should be capable of passing a criminal background check and possess the following competencies:
- Verbal and written communication
- Investigative skills
- Report writing
- Relationship building
- Computer operations
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In addition to education, prior work experience in social work, law enforcement, clinical treatment, or corrections, especially with juveniles, can be a compelling factor for hiring. If a paid position in one of these fields is not readily available, other options including internships or volunteer work are also worthwhile considerations.
Officers must attend a training program annually which is sponsored by the North Dakota Supreme Court. Additionally, court officers should receive 40 hours of ongoing education every three years and provide reports of such training to the Supreme Court Administrator’s office. Although juvenile court officers are not peace officers, if they receive the appropriate training, they are permitted to carry a firearm.