Juvenile Probation Counselor I

County of Thurston•Tumwater, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Juvenile Court is recruiting for three (3) Juvenile Probation Counselor I's; one in the Dependency Guardian Ad Litem unit, and two in the Probation unit. In this position, you will be responsible for monitoring a caseload and providing supervision, advocacy, interventions, and general counseling to adjudicated youthful offenders, dependent children, youth in conflict with their families, truants, and other youth under the supervision of the Juvenile Court. Other responsibilities may include monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions and providing support services and referrals to appropriate community agencies to modify and re-direct delinquent behavior of youth. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Monitors, directs, and counsels juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders in their completion of court-ordered obligations. Formulates responses to non-compliance that may include returning the juvenile to court. Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to determine risk to re-offend and identify risk and need. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to develop a Case Plan to decrease criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors. Completes risk assessment reassessments as necessary. Refers eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs. Coordinates community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol/drug treatment, psychiatric/psychological services, and other counseling and treatment programs. Performs field supervision of juvenile offenders, including home, school, and job contacts. Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and other relevant events and issues on each assigned juvenile. Provides legal preparation, court reports, and court appearance on cases assigned. Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public. Leads, teaches and/or facilitates classes and programs for youth and/or parents. Transports youth in custody.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, corrections, law enforcement, or public administration.
Two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile probation, juvenile parole, or a social work field.
Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
Be certified in Washington State Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA) Assessment Tool.
A valid First Aid and CPR Card.
Extensive knowledge of juvenile offender programs.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to cope with stressful situations and deal firmly and tactfully with clients.
Ability to diffuse potentially volatile situations.
Ability to interact with a variety of agencies, groups and individuals.
Ability to make presentations to large or small groups.
Ability to modify criminogenic factors of juveniles.
Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques to help youth and family make behavior change.
Ability to fairly enforce the orders of the court.
Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
Legal aptitude, proficiency to complete court preparation, and provide professional court appearance.

Responsibilities

Monitors, directs, and counsels juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders in their completion of court-ordered obligations.
Formulates responses to non-compliance that may include returning the juvenile to court.
Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to determine risk to re-offend and identify risk and need.
Uses motivational interviewing techniques to develop a Case Plan to decrease criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors.
Completes risk assessment reassessments as necessary.
Refers eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs.
Coordinates community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol/drug treatment, psychiatric/psychological services, and other counseling and treatment programs.
Performs field supervision of juvenile offenders, including home, school, and job contacts.
Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and other relevant events and issues on each assigned juvenile.
Provides legal preparation, court reports, and court appearance on cases assigned.
Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public.
Leads, teaches and/or facilitates classes and programs for youth and/or parents.
Transports youth in custody.