Assessment Specialist I (Probation Counselor I)

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Fj20), VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

In the Intake Services Division under the supervision of the Unit Director, Assessment Services, this position assesses diversion-eligible youth who have been brought to the attention of Juvenile Intake on a complaint alleging delinquent behavior. These youth are typically first-time offenders with non-violent or misdemeanor offenses. Utilizes the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) and other evidence-based tools with a high degree of accuracy to identify areas of risk and need that contributed to the offense behavior. Communicates with other agencies and service providers to obtain collateral sources of information. Meets with the youth and parent(s)/guardian(s) to complete the YASI prescreen assessment. Enters related notes for each domain in the YASI application and summary report. Facilitates case staffing with intake officers to assist with determining diversion requirements for each youth referred. Requires travel to various locations throughout the county to minimize the impact on clients. Serves as a back-up to other staff on the unit when available and as needed, completing the following tasks: visiting youth in JDC and Shelter Care, participating in court hearings, meeting with families who were court ordered to comply with the pre-dispositional assessment process to explain the process and sign releases, completing assessments and reports, as well as other duties as assigned by the Unit Director of Assessment Services.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information.
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work.
Ability to interview and counsel clients.
Ability to prepare complete case records and reports.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
Ability to access clients’ homes and other locations to conduct assessment interviews.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to read data on a computer monitor and operate keyboard-driven equipment.
Criminal Background Investigation.
Child Protective Services Registry Check.
Driving Record Check.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the use of evidence-based tools to assess needs of clients and their families.
Experience in interviewing families and collecting collateral information in order to identify areas of risk and need.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work with a diverse clientele of different ethnicities and socio-economic statuses.
Ability to work and make decisions independently with minimal supervision.
Experience with cross-agency collaboration and working with other service providers.
Knowledge of local community-based resources for youth and families.
Knowledge of the Code of Virginia, Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) standards, and local court service unit policy and procedures.
Fully proficient in the use of DJJ's Balance Approach Data Gathering Environment (BADGE), and Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) computer programs.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Word and Outlook.
Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

Assesses diversion-eligible youth using the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) and other evidence-based tools.
Identifies areas of risk and need contributing to offense behavior.
Communicates with other agencies and service providers for collateral information.
Meets with youth and parent(s)/guardian(s) to complete YASI prescreen assessment.
Enters assessment notes and summary reports into the YASI application.
Facilitates case staffing with intake officers to determine diversion requirements.
Travels to various locations throughout the county.
Serves as a back-up to other unit staff, including visiting youth in JDC and Shelter Care, participating in court hearings, meeting with families, completing assessments and reports.
Formulates treatment or rehabilitation plans and presents recommendations.
Facilitates placement, supervises community service, schedules payments, collects court costs and restitution, monitors urine tests.
Supervises child visitations and exchanges.
Conducts intake interviews and supervises offenders/defendants through office and home visits.
Interviews juvenile or adult offenders, their families, and related persons to determine adjustment difficulties.
Conducts field investigations.
Refers offenders/defendants to other agencies and maintains liaison with service providers.
Testifies in court and provides written reports on adjustment and compliance.
Assesses short-term goals, counsels offenders, and provides opportunities for positive change.
Provides crisis intervention services.
Documents and composes case records, petitions, and correspondence.
Compiles related statistics.
Aids clients in obtaining employment.
Cooperates with representatives from State and local social service and law enforcement agencies.
Supervises and directs house routines and therapeutic programs in residential facilities.
Ensures residents maintain behavioral norms.
Maintains communication with a resident's probation counselor, school representative, employer, family, and significant others.
Coordinates and implements a residential program area.
Coordinates and transports detainees between courts and facilities.
Provides course instruction using Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) education curriculum.
Conducts intake assessments on new clients and makes appropriate referrals for ASAP services.