Screening Specialist/Service Navigator(4809-40)

Hamilton County Juvenile Court•Cincinnati, OH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Screening Specialist/Service Navigator is responsible for responding to and assessing youth and families referred to the Assessment Center. This role involves conducting interviews to determine risks and needs in various areas, implementing screening tools, collecting collateral information, and developing plans to address identified needs. The specialist will work with contracted agencies, make referrals, and serve as a liaison between families and service providers. Additionally, the role requires creating court reports, attending hearings, and participating in ongoing training and mentorship. This position operates in a community-based facility with potential exposure to challenging populations and requires flexibility in working hours, often involving interruptions and a high degree of stress.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related field or a combination of Bachelor's Degree in any field and 2 years' paid related juvenile justice experience or High School Degree/GED plus 6 years' paid related juvenile justice experience.
Possession of valid driver's license, auto liability insurance.
Must pass extensive background screening process.
Ability to effectively use interviewing techniques with adults and youth of varying ages and provide insight.
Ability to use conflict/dispute resolution strategies.
Ability to apply knowledge of family dynamics, divorce dynamics, child developmental issues, and Court procedures.
Ability to interview extensively with high conflict, angry clients.
Ability to assess family dynamics and capacity to parent.
Ability to generate therapeutic recommendations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate emergency action; review and critique individual programming and make feasible recommendations.
Ability to type.
Ability to use computer software, including, but not limited to: GroupWise, Microsoft Office, Excel and JCMS case management system.
Knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
Working knowledge of office equipment, like printers and fax machines.
Excellent organizational skills and time management skills with a high degree of precision.
Ability to meet established deadlines in an efficient manner and recognize changing priorities with minimal supervision.
Must possess good judgement, excellent time management skills, the ability to prioritize work, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to work independently and be a self-starter.
Ability to communicate professionally, courteously and effectively in person, in writing, and over the phone.
Ability to provide clear testimony in court trials and to advocate for the best interest of the child.
Ability to maintain positive, professional working relationships with associates, supervisors, officials and the general public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must possess knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, resources available to the public, and knowledge of systems partners.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Services or related field.
Professional certifications that are preferred include: LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, and/or LCDCIII

Responsibilities

Responds to and assesses youth and families that have been referred to the Assessment Center.
Conducts interviews with and engages with youth and families to determine risks and needs in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, cognitive functioning, physical health, education, and employment and vocational needs.
Implements screening and assessments for youth, including but not limited to the OYAS-DIV, MAYSI-2 screening tools as well as educational, vocational, physical health and substance abuse assessments.
Responsible for collecting pertinent collateral information from other persons, service providers and community partners that may have additional information to guide in decision making.
Utilizes assessments to properly identify the risks and needs of the youth.
Develops a plan to address the risks and needs with the youth and family.
Works with contracted agencies to determine identified service needs.
Makes referrals to access appropriate supportive services.
Serves as liaison between the family and identified service providers to address any service connection barriers.
Creates court reports that clearly and accurately summarize recommendations and service connection.
Responds to requests to attend hearings before judges, magistrates and unofficial hearing officers.
Answers questions regarding clinical conclusions and recommendations made within written report, by defending and explaining methodology that supports decisions.
Completes duties of a clerical nature, works on projects needed within Special Projects or in conjunction with other Court departments, greets families, and completes all other duties as assigned.
Participates in staff meetings, supervision, in-service training and ongoing education to supplement job knowledge and maintain court standards.
Mentors co-workers.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.