JUVENILE COUNSELOR 1

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to perform basic professional social casework in assessing, investigating, counseling, placing and supervising potential, alleged or adjudicated juvenile offenders; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Juvenile Department provides counseling, detention, investigation, and administrative support services to youth whose conduct or circumstances bring them within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.

The Juvenile Counselor 1 is an entry-level professional position within the County Juvenile Department. Positions within the Juvenile Counselor 1 classification may specialize delinquency cases or may serve as a tracker with specific tasks for monitoring cases. Incumbents perform basic intake and assessment activities and have minimum case management involvement with delinquency cases supervised by the Juvenile Department. Some Juvenile Counselor 1 positions are assigned a small caseload of less serious crimes with youth designated as low risk.

The Juvenile Counselor 1 differs the Juvenile Counselor 2 that performs advanced independent professional social casework, and is responsible for supervising and managing full caseloads of both misdemeanor and felony cases.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Initiates contact with juveniles referred to the Intake and Assessment center and the department via police reports; interviews juveniles and their families; prepares intake reports, finger prints and photograph.
2. Determines initial disposition of cases and release options; reviews and gathers information from police reports, partnering agencies, youth to appropriate agency or placement resources.
3. Assesses specific medical or emotional problems including alcohol and drug dependency; assesses, and evaluates juveniles’ behaviors, need for psychiatric or medical evaluations, for safety or threat of harm and makes appropriate referrals.
4. Supervises juveniles on probation; visits juveniles at homes, schools and places of employment; monitors juveniles' compliance with probation; maintains accurate records and prepares written reports; works with and supports juveniles to establish and achieve their personal goals and plans; implements and revises case plans as necessary; and refers youth to appropriate agency resources.
5. Provides orientation and counseling to youth and their families; explains courts procedures; coordinates with DHS, police, attorneys and agencies to establish court appointment for hearings, secures legal counsel, if necessary; prepares relevant legal and court documents.
6. Transports juveniles to and from detention centers, courts, state training schools, homes and other appointments.
7. Contacts victims to determine alleged restitution if any to be paid by juveniles; documents statements and or requests from victims.
8. Serves and participates on community committees, speaks and gives presentation to civic groups on juvenile department programs and activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Basic knowledge of: Criminal law; juvenile law; juvenile court policies and procedures; rules and regulations regarding juvenile detention and probation; behavior and adjustment problems of juvenile offenders and methods of treatment; symptoms of physical and mental disorder, substance abuse or deficiencies; case management; principles and practices of psychology as they relate to child and adolescent development and family structures; community resources and facilities available for the diagnosis and treatment of the maladjusted child/adolescent; methods and techniques used in individual and family counseling.

Skill to: Assess the needs of juveniles and provide appropriate treatment plans; maintain discipline and orderly conduct; respond effectively in situations with individuals who may be hostile and aggressive or have emotional disorders; understand and apply state laws, rules and regulations and department policies and procedures make appropriate recommendations; maintain accurate case or program records and prepare court reports or legal documents; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with juveniles and their families, court and law enforcement personnel, child caring agencies, staff and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional interactions with juveniles may involve physical contact and/or exposure to hostile attitudes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

May be required to participate in 24 hours/day emergency program services.

Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation including national fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.