Juvenile Transition Specialist

TWIN OAKS JUVENILE DEVELOPMENT INC•ocala, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Transition Specialist (JTS) serves as the primary program contact from case assignment through discharge for the youth, parent, Facility, and Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO). The JTS collaborates closely with the JPO, Residential Case Manager (RCM), youth, and parent/guardian to complete required transition contacts, including participation in the Transition Conference, Community Reentry Team (CRT), and Exit Conference. This role is responsible for completing all required contacts for transition services, including telephone and face-to-face interactions during transition and post-release. The JTS will attend and actively participate in monthly internal Navigator Team Meetings, informing the transition team of the youth’s needs. They will be the primary contact for communication with providers on referrals for Service Tier 1 and will collaborate with the Resource Navigator Coordinator (RNC) for referrals for Service Tiers 3 and 4. The JTS is responsible for developing the Transition Plan for Success prior to release by collaborating with the JPO, Facility, youth, parent, and referral resources. They will identify service categories of need for the youth based on information obtained prior to CRT to present for Service Tier recommendation and update referral resources. The JTS will confirm all required services, referrals, and intake appointments with the parent and JPO, and develop recommended goals for the YES Plan with input from the RNC, Education Resource Navigator, JPO, RCM, youth, and parent. They will complete weekly contact with the youth and family to review goals of the YES plan and update progress, with oversight and compliance monitoring conducted by the Circuit's Resource Navigator Supervisor. Upon completion or substantial progress on YES Plan goals, the JTS will prepare the Discharge Summary Report requesting discharge approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related area of study.
2 years of experience in treatment plan development, community referral coordination, service plan development, collaboration with various agencies, resource development, and effective utilization.
Must pass Level II background screening and preemployment drug screen.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Active listening and empathy.
Interpersonal Skills.
Ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Organizational Skills.
Data entry and Microsoft 365 proficiency.
Familiarity with terminology specific to referral needs in mental health, substance abuse, and sex offender counseling referrals.
Understanding and communicating options for funding required referral resources, including Medicaid and private insurance policies.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Problem solving and critical thinking.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to youth, families, and partners.
Understanding and adherence to confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated commitment to accountability and a data-driven culture.
Ability to recognize and solve problems by managing crisis situations with youth and families.
Ability to resolve issues professionally within the workplace and community.
Demonstrated cultural competency by communicating and working effectively with those from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to analyze information from screening and assessments to recommend direct or indirect service offered within the program.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and vehicle insurance.
Independent travel is required.
Complete training as assigned and according to training plan.
Direct Care Training Requirements: CPR/First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care.

Responsibilities

Conduct a thorough review of information available in JJIS, including the Face Sheet, case notes, and Document Library upon case assignment.
Collaborate with the JPO, RCM, youth, and parents to identify service needs based on available information, performance plans, JJIS, and treatment discharge plans.
Analyze available resources for youth based on their geographical area post-release.
Complete an individualized Community Asset Mapping Tool with the RNC, focusing on identifying resources near the youth’s home for essential service areas.
Individualize services based on identified needs discovered during the transition period, beginning 90 days prior to release.
Actively participate in the Transition Conference, discussing identified service needs, recommending resources, and identifying transition activity assignments.
Maintain bi-weekly contact with the assigned JPO leading up to the CRT meeting and Exit Conference to provide status updates on referrals and exchange relevant information.
Actively participate in the CRT, providing updates on referrals and presenting the identified Service Tier.
Work towards completing the referral process with providers for identified service needs under the Service Tier 1 category prior to the Exit Conference, which may include mentoring, temporary housing, family support, employment, community service, and dually served coordination.
Contact the parent/legal guardian directly to inquire about their ability to participate, schedule, transportation needs, and insurance coverage if questions arise during the referral process.
Participate in at least one in-person meeting with the primary DJJ contact prior to the Exit Conference to assist with the development of the Transition Plan for Success.
Contact the Parent/Guardian in person no later than seven (7) days prior to the Exit Conference to provide referral status and exchange relevant information, and schedule an in-person meeting with the youth and Parent/Guardian within three (3) working days after the youth’s release.
Contact the RCM by phone no later than three (3) working days prior to the Exit Conference to provide referral status and exchange relevant information.
Actively participate in the Exit Conference by providing referral status, the date and time of the youth’s in-person meeting, and the date and time of any scheduled appointments with identified resources.
Contact the youth via telephone no later than three (3) working days prior to release to review the Transition Plan for Success.
On the first working day after release, contact the RCM by telephone to confirm release and contact the supervising JPO/DDDC to schedule the YES Plan creation meeting.
For CR or PCP youth, participate in at least one in-person meeting with the JPO to assist with YES Plan development and review the CAT Full Assessment results to ensure identified resources address top criminogenic needs.
Facilitate the completion of Court-ordered sanctions such as letters of apology or essays after intake.
Complete action steps outlined in the YES Plan at least once per week for each youth requirement or goal.
Discuss the youth’s participation in scheduled appointments during weekly review of YES Plan goals to ensure participation and identify barriers.
For CR or PCP youth, participate in an in-person meeting with the JPO prior to each 90-day supervisory review to determine if referred services are completed or underway and if additional needs were identified.
For Direct Discharge youth, maintain contact with the youth, Parent/Guardian, DDDC, and identified resources as needed for successful program completion, reporting on participation, progress, and identifying roadblocks at least once every 30 days.
For Direct Discharge youth, participate in an in-person meeting with the DDDC prior to the end of the initial 60-day period to determine if referred services are completed or underway and if additional needs were identified.
Update the master case file and youth case note records to reflect completed steps for discharge approval, including administering satisfaction surveys.
Document completed Asset Mapping and Permanency plan review with the youth.
Provide a Discharge summary report to the Resource Navigator Supervisor (RNS) for final case file and case note review for compliance monitoring.
Meet with the JPO in person prior to the 90 Day JPO Supervisory Review to review the discharge report and provide documentation supporting goal and action step completion.