Community Counselor- AOC Restoration - Tempe, AZ (Open Hearts - Tempe)

Intermountain Centers•Tempe, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Juvenile Competency Restoration Specialist provides court-ordered restoration education services to youth who have been found incompetent to proceed in court. The Restoration Specialist delivers structured educational services designed to help juveniles understand legal proceedings, develop the ability to assist counsel, and regain competency in accordance with Arizona statutes and Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) standards. The Restoration Specialist works collaboratively with the assigned Mental Health Expert (MHE), probation officers, and families to implement individualized restoration education plans and support youth engagement throughout the restoration process.

Requirements

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university
Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
Experience working with adolescents, preferably justice-involved youth
Knowledge of adolescent development and behavioral health principles
Ability to deliver educational instruction in structured and engaging formats
Ability to maintain professional documentation and confidentiality standards

Nice To Haves

Experience working with court-involved youth
Training in trauma-informed care
Experience in behavioral health, education, or juvenile justice settings
Knowledge of competency restoration principles

Responsibilities

Provide competency restoration education services to juveniles a minimum of two times per week in person or via secure video conferencing in accordance with AOC standards.
Utilize the Juvenile Mental Competency Restoration Handbook as a guide for teaching competency concepts including courtroom roles, legal procedures, and the ability to assist legal counsel.
Deliver instruction using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed teaching methods.
Participate in initial consultation with the assigned Mental Health Expert (MHE) within five (5) business days of referral.
Review the court competency evaluation report and collaborate with the MHE to identify competency deficits.
Develop individualized Restoration Education Plans that address specific competency areas and learning needs.
Update restoration plans every 90 days or as clinically indicated.
Establish rapport with youth and utilize strategies that support engagement, motivation, and learning.
Adapt instructional methods to meet the youth’s developmental stage, cultural background, cognitive ability, and learning style.
Promote youth participation and reinforce understanding of court processes.
Document all services in the electronic health record (MyAvatar) within 24 hours of service delivery.
Maintain records of attendance, restoration plans, consultations, and progress notes in accordance with AOC documentation standards.
Participate in ongoing consultation with the MHE at least every fourteen (14) calendar days.
Discuss youth progress, barriers to competency, and probability of restoration.
Develop a Crisis Plan during the initial session with the youth and family.
Utilize de-escalation techniques and follow agency safety protocols when behavioral escalation occurs.
Coordinate with probation officers, families, and community providers as needed to support youth progress.
Assist youth and families in accessing community-based resources when appropriate.
Ensure all services comply with AOC Service Specifications, Arizona statutes (ARS § 8-291.01 through 8-291.11), and confidentiality laws.