Diversion Specialist (Juvenile Probation Department)

County of Berks•Reading, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diversion Specialist oversees youth referred to the Summary Diversion and Community Youth Aid Panel programs. This specialized role supports diversion as part of the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) and requires a basic understanding of Juvenile Probation Office processes, without performing Juvenile Probation Officer functions. The role oversees program processes, Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers, and participating youth. Its goal is to facilitate successful program completion and provide an expeditious alternative to traditional case processing. The position is primarily performed during regular business hours, with assigned panel meetings generally occurring 9–12 evenings per month. Non-panel days are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; panel days are scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Evening or weekend work may be required. The role requires physical presence in the office and travel to community-based panel meetings and training locations around Berks County, with occasional travel outside the county.

Requirements

An Associate's degree may be acceptable; a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Social Science is preferred, with at least 18 credits in behavioral and/or social sciences.
One year of experience in the criminal justice field, emphasizing criminal, court, or legal practice, or work at a social service agency.
Prior customer service experience involving extensive contact with the general public and professionals, face-to-face and by telephone.
Some working knowledge of probation investigation, supervision, and reporting principles, methods, and practices, as well as the benefits of diversion.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely through oral and written expression.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, agencies, and the public.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior related to delinquency, family dynamics, relationships, peer pressure, and drug and alcohol issues.
Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in the best interests of youth, victims, and the community.
Basic skills operating computer software applications.
Ability and willingness to work several evenings per week as required by panel schedules.
Public speaking skills and ability to handle stress.
Valid state-issued driver's license and ability to use a personal vehicle for employment purposes.
Physical presence in the office is required.
Ability to complete Defensive Tactics as required of an office-bound employee.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry, talk, hear, handle objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and use close vision and adjust focus. Must occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Social Science, with at least 18 credits in behavioral and/or social sciences.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Community Youth Aid Panel process by attending all assigned panel meetings.
Contact juveniles and families entering the Summary Diversion Program, facilitate appropriate obligations, and oversee their completion.
Assist intake officers with transferring appropriate cases to the Community Youth Aid Panel.
Supervise Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers and help maintain current clearances.
Maintain volunteer records in the volunteer case management system and maintain the volunteer information line.
Contact victims upon referral, resolve restitution claims, and collaborate with Victim/Witness Coordinators as needed to determine restitution figures.
Notify juveniles and families, victims, panelists, and police of scheduled panel meetings and maintain the schedule.
Assist with developing Summary Diversion, Community Youth Aid Panel, and other appropriate prevention or diversion programs.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and reference-checking potential Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers.
Assist with training new volunteers and police officers and providing annual update training to existing volunteers and police liaisons.
Assist with planning and implementing special events, including the Volunteer Recognition Banquet.
Create and maintain files for referred juveniles, enter new cases into PaJCMS, and expunge cases of juveniles who successfully complete diversion programming.
Collaborate with police departments and community-based providers to increase diversion efforts.
Assist in gathering and submitting annual program outcomes.
Attend statewide meetings and other functions as needed.