Diversion Specialist (Juvenile Probation Department)

County of Berks•Reading, PA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Diversion Specialist oversees youth referred to the Summary Diversion and Community Youth Aid Panel programs, including program processes and Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers. The role requires an understanding of diversion’s importance within the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) and a basic understanding of Juvenile Probation Office processes, but does not involve performing Juvenile Probation Officer functions. The goal is to help youth successfully complete diversion programming as an expeditious alternative to traditional case processing. The position coordinates with juveniles, families, victims, volunteers, police departments, and community-based providers; supports program development, volunteer recruitment and training, case records, and program outcomes; and attends assigned panel meetings and other meetings or functions as needed. Physical presence in the office is required, along with travel to community-based meetings and training locations around Berks County and occasional travel beyond the county. The position is scheduled for 35 hours per week. Non-panel days are scheduled 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; panel days are scheduled 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Panel meetings generally occur 9–12 evenings per month. The new-hire hourly starting rate is $29.11.

Requirements

An associate 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 experience in a social service agency.
Prior customer service experience involving substantial contact with the public and professionals, both face-to-face and by telephone.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid state-issued driver’s license and ability to use a personal vehicle for employment purposes.
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 in oral and written form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, agencies, and the public.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior relating 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 in operating computer software applications.
Ability and willingness to work several evenings per week according to panel schedules.
Public speaking skills and ability to handle stress.
Physical presence in the office is required.
Ability to complete Defensive Tactics as required of an office-bound employee.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

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 assigned panel meetings, generally 9–12 evenings per month.
Contact juveniles and families for entry into Summary Diversion, facilitate appropriate obligations, and oversee their completion.
Assist intake officers in transferring appropriate cases to the Community Youth Aid Panel.
Supervise Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers and help maintain their current clearances.
Maintain volunteer records in the volunteer case management system and maintain the volunteer information line.
Contact victims when referrals are received, resolve restitution claims, and collaborate with Victim/Witness Coordinators as needed to determine restitution figures.
Notify juveniles, families, victims, panelists, and police of scheduled panel meetings and maintain the meeting schedule.
Assist with developing Summary Diversion, Community Youth Aid Panel, and other appropriate prevention or diversion programming.
Recruit Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers; assist with interviewing candidates and checking references.
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 with gathering and submitting annual program outcomes.
Attend statewide meetings and other functions as needed.