Juvenile Counselor

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Community Justice Juvenile Services Division is hiring Juvenile Court Counselors to provide case management, evaluation, and supervision for at-risk youth and their families within the juvenile court system. The role operates under ORS 419A.012 and uses an evidence-based, integrative approach tailored to each youth’s strengths, cultural background, and environmental needs. Counselors work to support community safety and accountability while developing the skills youth need to transition successfully out of the justice system. The recruitment may fill both bilingual English/Spanish-required and non-bilingual positions.

Counselors assist youth and families through pre- and post-adjudication processes, supervise youth on diversion and probation, assess needs, make recommendations to the court, and coordinate services and support. The work includes frequent contact with youth and families in offices, homes, and community settings, as well as collaboration with community partners. Counselors may transport youth between detention locations, court, and placements.

The Juvenile Services Division provides a continuum of services, including diversion, pre-adjudication support, probation, shelter care, electronic monitoring, mental health assessments and care coordination, outpatient services, and detention. The division is committed to reducing ethnic and racial disparities in juvenile justice. This is an hourly, represented, non-exempt position. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. The position is based at the Juvenile Justice Complex in Portland and is not eligible for hybrid or routine telework; ad-hoc telework may be discussed with the hiring manager.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in child psychology, social work, counseling, criminal justice, or a related field, or equivalent years of related experience.
• Two years of professional counseling and/or case management experience in a social service or rehabilitative setting, including one year working with high-risk and/or high-need youth, clients, and families.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• For bilingual Spanish/English-required positions only: proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish and English, with successful completion of a language proficiency assessment.
• Pass a thorough background investigation covering criminal, civil, driving, military, educational, and employment history.
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and court process.
• Knowledge of symptoms of physical and mental disorders, substance abuse, and adjustment problems among juvenile offenders.
• Knowledge of social casework, counseling, motivational and strength-based interviewing, child psychology, and adolescent development.
• Knowledge and experience working with youth and families from culturally diverse communities, and understanding of family dynamics, gender issues, gender-nonconforming persons, and individual differences.
• Familiarity with community resources that support youth and families.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with diverse clients, communities, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organization, time management, coordination, prioritization, and information-distribution skills.
• Ability to prepare well-written reports for the court.
• Flexibility in work style and hours, and comfort delivering services in clients’ homes.

Nice To Haves

• More than two years of professional counseling and/or case management experience in a social service or rehabilitative setting, including one year working with justice-involved and/or complex-trauma youth, clients, and families.
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
• Experience with the Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS).
• Experience using evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), or related techniques.
• Experience writing clear, accurate, and efficient reports.
• Ability to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Training and experience working with youth and families from culturally diverse communities.
• Understanding of the stages of change, such as the Prochaska and DiClemente model, or related models.
• Experience practicing trauma-informed care and approaches.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience setting SMART goals or using a related method.
• Proficiency with case management software, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, or other standard office software and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist youth and families through pre- and post-adjudication court processes using best practices in intake, investigation, and supervision.
• Provide probation supervision for low-, medium-, and high-risk youth using evidence-based strategies tailored to each youth’s circumstances, strengths, needs, culture, and environment.
• Manage youth on diversion and probation and ensure compliance with court orders.
• Monitor multiple court dockets, conduct evaluations, and make recommendations about youth placement during court proceedings.
• Assess youth and family needs and make recommendations to the court, including for youth within the court’s jurisdiction or those alleged to have violated release or probation conditions.
• Provide evaluation, investigation, counseling, case planning, social services, and adjudication services for juveniles and their families.
• Maintain effective records and document all contacts with youth.
• Engage families and provide proactive support and guidance during and after probation services end.
• Use the Juvenile Services Division’s evidence-based, integrative supervision and case management model.
• Maintain frequent direct contact through office, home, and community visits or other youth community events to deliver specialized programs and support long-term behavioral change.
• Transport youth as needed between detention locations, court, and placements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, including local law enforcement.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Defined benefit retirement plan (pension); the county pays the employee’s share of the state retirement contribution, stated as 6% of wages.
• Paid leave, including vacation, holidays, sick, parental, and military leave.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Optional deferred compensation and flexible spending accounts.
• Free annual TriMet bus pass.
• Alternative wellness resources.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level