Juvenile Justice Counselor 1/2 (PCN 064991M)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Juvenile Justice is hiring multiple Juvenile Justice Counselor positions at the 1 or 2 level in the Girls Detention Unit at McLaughlin Youth Center in Anchorage. The unit supervises and serves adolescent females in a secure detention setting, typically while they await court appearances and decisions about future placement and services. Some residents have mental health needs alongside their involvement with the justice system. Counselors work as part of a team to support youth and their families through therapeutic programs using a restorative justice approach. The role includes building meaningful relationships with residents and helping them develop skills and knowledge in areas such as life skills, anger management, and drug and alcohol education. Counselors also address individual needs while maintaining the security and safety of residents, visitors, staff, and facility buildings. The Division’s mission is to hold juvenile offenders accountable, promote the safety and restoration of victims and communities, and help offenders and their families develop skills to prevent crime. The position is located at 2600 Providence Drive in Anchorage and is performed inside a 24-hour secure facility. The job is open to Alaska residents only and may be filled at either level depending on the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Must be 20 years of age or older.
Juvenile Justice Counselor 1: High school diploma or GED.
Juvenile Justice Counselor 2: High school diploma or GED and six months of paid or volunteer experience teaching or coaching group activities for youth; OR six months of experience as a Juvenile Justice Counselor 1 with the State of Alaska or equivalent elsewhere and demonstrated achievement of department-approved performance standards; OR six months of experience administering, advising on, performing, or supervising adult or juvenile corrections, law enforcement, parole, probation, residential treatment casework, or social casework.
For Counselor 2 work-experience requirements, completed coursework from an accredited college may substitute at 3 semester or 4 quarter hours per month of work experience, and/or military experience may substitute month for month.
A valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.
Successful candidates must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including a state and FBI fingerprint-based background check.
Successful candidates are subject to a criminal record check and medical examination to determine whether essential duties can be safely performed.
Candidates should demonstrate conscientiousness, integrity and honesty, interpersonal skills, and stress tolerance.

Responsibilities

Supervise and provide services to adolescent female residents in a secure detention setting.
Work with youth on their individual needs through therapeutic programs that incorporate restorative justice.
Build meaningful relationships with youth and help them develop life skills, anger management skills, and knowledge about drugs and alcohol.
Support youth accountability and development while contributing to the safety and restoration of victims and communities.
Maintain the security and safety of residents, visitors, staff, and facility buildings.
Contribute to a positive environment for team members and juveniles.