JUVENILE JUSTICE YOUTH & FAMILY SPECIALIST OPTION I (UMP)

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

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 (2) years of professional experience working with youth in juvenile services.
OR Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Requires three (3) years of professional experience in counseling or casework.
Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this classification.
All candidates must be over the age of 21.
Requires possession of a valid drivers license and the ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Requires the successful completion of an initial pre-service training curriculum.
Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
Requires ability to pass an IDOJ/IDJJ drug screen.

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 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.
Prefers ability to use a personal computer and office software in data tracking and preparation of work reports and case management.
Prefers ability to administer objective psychometric tests.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and manages after care caseload.
Communicates with institutional staff regarding youth needs and progress.
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.
Monitors service providers to ensure compliance with agency requirements.
Authorizes custodial responses by providers or conducts searches, monitoring of activities, responding to requests for detention, removal, imposition of restrictions or electronic monitoring, drug testing, and/or issuance of arrest warrants and executes warrants.
Participates in continuing education programs, training and staff development to build skills and acquires knowledge of aftercare program process and procedures.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.