JUVENILE JUSTICE YOUTH & FAMILY SPECIALIST OPTION I (UMP)

State of Illinois • Grafton, IL

2d • $6,404 - $9,187 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a compassionate and motivated candidate to assist in the positive rehabilitation of the youth in our care. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a passion for positive change, the ability to apply a high degree of patience with residents and their families, and the ability to confidently develop and implement recommendations for positive behavior change and rehabilitation. The incumbent in this role will possess excellent communication skills both orally and in writing as they will have daily interaction with various youth, other staff both inside and outside the facilities, families of the residents, and members of the community. The Juvenile Justice Youth and Family Specialist plays a critical role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the youth in our care. If this sounds like an opportunity that fits the career path you’re looking for, then IDJJ is looking for you! We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply!

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in counseling or a closely related social science degree. Requires two years of professional experience working with youth in juvenile services
• Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Requires three years of professional experience in counseling or casework.
• Requires the ability to pass an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)/Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• All candidates must be over the age of 21.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers extensive knowledge of counseling and guidance principles and techniques.
• Prefers working knowledge of theories of personality and deviant behavior, delinquency and criminology.
• Prefers working knowledge of the principles of cognitive behavioral treatment.
• Prefers working knowledge of sociology of the family and of racial and cultural minorities urban sociology and social problems.
• Prefers working knowledge of casework techniques and the writing of professional reports.
• Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive evaluations and to develop recommendations for rehabilitation and positive behavioral change programs and for placement and supervision.
• Prefers ability to use a personal computer and office software in data tracking and the preparation of work reports and case management.
• Prefers ability to relate and integrate professional aspects of counseling and guidance with those of other disciplines.
• Prefers ability to apply a high degree of tact, patience, empathy and insight in the skillful counseling of residents, families, parents and relatives.
• Prefers ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, provides counseling and case management services to youth on an assigned caseload and incoming youth during their initial orientation.
• Delivers and facilitates group programming and activities to build youth skills.
• Reviews documentation to determine family and youth eligibility for Federal funding participation and interacts with other agencies to verify documentation and eligibility enrollment are established and implemented.
• Conducts home visitations to establish, document, and report status of family dynamics and the suitability of the home for re-entry and/or continued placements.
• Documents case management activities, youth needs, interventions, and programming.
• Interviews youth and families.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs, training, and staff development to build skills and acquire knowledge of programs and services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid parental leave
• Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days in their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
• Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote work may be an option for certain positions)

What This Job Offers

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