Juvenile Counselor

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

2d • $38 - $47 • Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Services Division of the Department of Community Justice is seeking Juvenile Court Counselors to provide comprehensive case management, evaluation, and supervision for at-risk youth and their families within the court system. Counselors work under the legal framework of ORS 419A.012 and use an evidence-based, integrative case management model to promote community safety, accountability, and skill development. They tailor support to each youth’s strengths, cultural background, and environmental needs, while engaging families and community partners to foster lasting change and successful transitions out of the justice system. This recruitment may fill both bilingual English/Spanish-required and non-bilingual positions.

The position is hourly, represented, and non-exempt. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. It is not eligible for hybrid or routine telework, though ad-hoc telework may be discussed with the hiring manager. The role is based at the Juvenile Justice Complex in Portland, Oregon, and may be eligible for overtime. The listed pay range is $38.03–$46.77 per hour.

Requirements

• 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, proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish and English, with successful completion of a language proficiency assessment.
• Successful completion of a thorough background investigation, including review of 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 theories, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge and experience working with youth and families from culturally diverse communities.
• Understanding of family dynamics, gender issues, cultural diversity, 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.
• Self-reliance, organization, time management, coordination, prioritization, and information-sharing skills.
• Flexibility in work style and hours and comfort delivering services in clients’ homes.
• Skills in the areas of Multnomah County Core Competencies.
• Required application materials include an online application, resume detailing how minimum qualifications are met, and cover letter explaining interest and relevant qualifications and case management experience.

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 with 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 (Prochaska and DiClemente) 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 to low-, medium-, and high-risk youth using evidence-based strategies tailored to each youth’s needs, strengths, culture, and circumstances.
• Manage youth on diversion and probation and ensure compliance with court orders.
• Monitor multiple court dockets, conduct evaluations, and recommend placements during court proceedings.
• Assess youth and family needs and make recommendations to the court, including for youth within the court’s jurisdiction or in violation of release or probation conditions.
• Provide evaluation, investigation, counseling, case planning, social services, and adjudication-related services for juveniles and their families.
• Maintain accurate 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 prescribed evidence-based supervision and case management model.
• Maintain frequent direct contact through office, home, and community visits or youth community events to implement specialized programs and support behavioral change.
• Transport youth between detention locations, court, or placements when needed.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, including local law enforcement.
• Prepare well-written reports for the court.
• Collaborate with legal, law enforcement, therapeutic, and other interdisciplinary partners.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Defined-benefit retirement plan (pension); the county pays the employee’s share of the state retirement contribution, equal to 6% of wages.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and military leave.
• Life insurance and short- 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