Juvenile Detention Counselor 1, 2 or 3 - Augusta YDC-Augusta, GA (CCR)

Georgia Department of Revenue•Augusta, GA

2d•$41,040 - $51,040•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Counselor works under supervision to plan, manage, and evaluate social services programs and coordinate program activities. At a youth detention facility, the counselor supports program delivery and case management, provides structured cognitive behavioral and life-skills groups, performs administrative duties, and helps facilitate juvenile rehabilitation in a safe and secure environment. The position conducts youth intake, admission, and orientation; assesses youth needs, risks, strengths, resources, and eligibility for services; and reviews collateral and background information. The counselor provides individual, group, and family counseling, develops and monitors service plans with multidisciplinary teams, completes progress reviews and reports for courts, and prepares recommendations for early release or alternative placements. The role also includes maintaining confidential case records, participating in quality assurance, and communicating with stakeholders about case management services. Work hours may include afternoons, evenings, holidays, and weekends, with evening and weekend coverage to address youths’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs. The posting describes three levels, with salaries ranging from $41,040 to $51,040 annually. The minimum qualifications vary by level: JDC1 requires a related bachelor’s degree; JDC2 requires that degree plus two years of job-related experience or equivalent lower-level experience; and JDC3 requires that degree plus four years of job-related experience or equivalent lower-level experience. Some positions require eligibility for licensure.

Requirements

JDC1: Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university; some positions require eligibility for licensure.
JDC2: Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and two years of job-related experience, or two years of experience as Social Services Program Coordinator 1 (SSP030) or equivalent; some positions require eligibility for licensure.
JDC3: Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and four years of job-related experience, or two years of experience as Social Services Program Coordinator 2 (SSP031) or equivalent; some positions require eligibility for licensure.
Maintain confidentiality and follow departmental rules for handling and disseminating case records and test results.
Work hours may include afternoons, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, forensic psychology, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, criminal justice, or a directly related field (JDC1).
Master’s degree in a related field (JDC2 and JDC3).
Graduate coursework in treatment and assessment methods, group counseling, rehabilitation, adolescent development, and risks/needs/responsivity focused on specific adolescent populations.
One year of experience in mental health or substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, or a residential setting.
Professional or general counseling experience in a mental health or substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, or residential setting.
Knowledge and experience applying risk-reduction principles and assessments with juvenile or adult populations.

Responsibilities

Support delivery of programs and case management services in assigned facilities, working with program staff to ensure services follow best practices and departmental policy.
Provide structured cognitive behavioral and life-skills groups, document program activities, and perform administrative duties that support rehabilitation and facility safety.
Facilitate or co-facilitate groups and participate in facility-wide PBIS activities when available.
Conduct youth assessments for housing plans, risk levels, treatment needs, and risks, needs, and responsivity.
Complete required youth progress reviews for local and state courts and prepare reviews for early release and alternative placements.
Manage or assist with facility quality assurance processes.
Perform or direct youth intake, admission, and orientation in accordance with policy.
Collect and assess information about clients’ circumstances and functioning to determine abilities, needs, and service eligibility.
Review collateral and background information to determine appropriate program services.
Provide individual, group, or family counseling to support positive changes in youth behavior and social situations.
Clearly communicate program goals and objectives to youth and conduct regular individual counseling sessions.
Conduct group sessions according to program guidelines, using appropriate behavioral, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention methods.
Identify high-risk situations and implement appropriate housing or safety plans.
Document group sessions, concepts taught, and participants’ progress within established time frames and guidelines.
Conduct daily rounds on living units to identify and address youth needs.
Provide evening and weekend coverage for youths’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Collaborate with agency stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams on discharge recommendations, service planning, and monitoring implementation.
Prepare and submit required reports and documentation.
Maintain confidentiality of case records and release information as required by policy and departmental guidelines.
Attend continuing education courses related to trends and professional development in case management.
Provide information about case management services to the public, other agencies, vendors, and potential customers.