Juvenile Group Worker - Detention - Juvenile

Marion County•Salem, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Department provides court-involved youth with detention, restitution, education, and probation services, and abides by federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Standards. The juvenile detention program offers a continuum of services focused on enhancing public safety through risk reduction and skill development. This position requires work in a 24/7 facility and requires shift work, which may include overnights and weekends. Juvenile Group Workers provide care, close supervision, and support services for youth in a detention facility or residential setting; transport and assist youth in juvenile and residential care, develop and implement activities aligned with evidence-based practices that enhances the growth and development of the youth.

Requirements

Two years of college with significant coursework in juvenile justice. sociology, psychology. or a related field
Two years of experience engaging and supporting juveniles, preferably in a detention, group-home, or court-involved setting
Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.
Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history.
Possess, or obtain within 90 days of hire, current CPR and Basic First Aid certification.
Maintain ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
Obtain initial blood borne pathogens training within 30 days of hire.
For detention positions, possess or obtain within 180 days of hire, LEDS certification.
Knowledge of adolescent development, juvenile behavior, and intervention techniques.
Skill and ability to learn juvenile laws in the State of Oregon
learn and implement evidence-based programs and principles to reduce community risk factors and increase protective factors
implement evidence-based practices and principles with juveniles in a group setting and on an individual basis
facilitate skill building groups and teach and support individual skill development
follow directives of policies and procedures
communicate effectively in both oral and written form
maintain required certifications and trainings
work with juveniles from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with a variety of dynamics and issues
develop effective working relationships with coworkers, youth, family and the public
use sound, practical and fair judgment in assessment and decision making
understand basic computer skills
drive a motor vehicle
work a flexible schedule with a variety of hours and shifts within a 24-hour period and maintain alertness and observance during shifts
ensure punctuality.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services, juvenile justice, psychology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or related field.

Responsibilities

Provides active supervision of juveniles in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
Provides services and programs to juveniles in compliance with department vision, goals and objectives.
Provides orientation services for incoming juveniles to support and ensure their ability to understand expectations.
Provides guidance of daily routines and activities including hygiene, food service and housekeeping.
Engages youth and facilitates evidence-based groups, organized activities and recreation and identifies opportunities to increase pro-social skills and abilities.
Provides appropriate cognitive and behavioral interventions with juveniles who may be acting out, distraught, angry, confused, depressed, mentally ill, and/or uncooperative to de-escalate behavior, gain their confidence and cooperation.
Re-directs behavior of juveniles using role modeling, facilitating problem solving, reminders of expectations, cognitive interventions and coaching.
Communicates and provides appropriate interventions for potential developmental disabilities, mental health crises and medical and/or emotional needs.
Transports and maintains supervision of juveniles by driving a motor vehicle in secure transports.
Provides supervision of visitors including but not limited to juvenile family members and approved visitors, service providers, attorneys and volunteers/interns.
Maintains the safety and security of the facility including keys, tools and equipment control; conducts inspections, security checks and searches; reports any improperly functioning equipment and needed repairs.
Conducts and documents head count/bed checks in accordance with facility standards.
Performs searches of juvenile and/or property; secures medications and contraband or other non-allowed program items; monitors use of cleaning supplies and keeps supplies secured when not in use.
When non-physical interventions or de-escalation have been unsuccessful, manages specialized behavior problems with out-of-control juveniles by utilizing physical intervention and restraint techniques to prevent harm to the juvenile or others in accordance with policy, training and program certification.
Responds when First Aid is needed and to medical emergencies.
Complies with Universal Precautions.
Performs responsibilities for admission and release from programs.
Completes initial assessment and screenings for medical/mental health needs; completes data entry related paperwork.
Prepares paperwork and documentation required by policy and procedure.
Documents individual juvenile’s behavior and performance as observed by daily contact and supervision methods including evaluating and rating behaviors; writing behavior/incident reports; documenting individual skills training and skill reinforcement; scheduling youth activities through the computerized systems; maintaining rosters; completing shift documentation and/or records; exhibiting clear communication both verbally and in writing; maintaining confidentiality.
Responds to e-mails, voicemails and memos in a timely manner; establishes and maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, customers and other agencies by maintaining regular and punctual work attendance.
Complies with training requirements.
Possesses a Food Handler’s card or will obtain one within the first 30 days of hire.
Document meal and snack counts.
Has and maintains a valid Oregon Class C driver’s license with approval to drive.
Dispenses medications as prescribed and directed.
Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.