Youth Services Counselor-Grant (New Day Diversion)

Broward County Sheriff's Office•Broward County, FL

About The Position

Under direction, the Youth Services Counselor provides professional assessment, intervention, and/or counseling services to at-risk youth and their families within the Juvenile Division of the Department of Community Programs of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The role supports efforts to deter juvenile delinquency and reduce repeat youthful offenders’ involvement in the juvenile justice system, while increasing public awareness of community-based youth programs, support groups, and delinquency programs. The position participates in developing youth programs and assigning juveniles to community service work sites. It is grant-funded and employed under contract; continued employment depends on adequate grant funding. Contract employees do not receive the same rights and benefits as permanent employees. The contract may be terminated at any time, and pay or benefits may be modified due to benefit costs, budget or grant funding reductions, or other fiscal constraints.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered if clearly documented.
Two years of previous experience providing broad knowledge of social service agencies and community resources related to youth programs and services, as well as accepted counseling principles and practices.
Computer experience with word-processing, spreadsheet, and database programs is required, including MS Word and Excel.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license without restrictions that affect job performance; the license must show the current address.
Must submit a certified, entire driving history from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and, if applicable, an entire driving history from any other state where the applicant held a license in the past seven years. Records must be attached to the online application, and search dates must be within one month of receipt of the employment application. Three-year and seven-year Florida driving histories are not accepted.
Must work two Saturdays each month and two weekdays into the early evening.
Applicants who qualify may be subject to a selection and screening process that may include evaluation of training and experience, written and computer-based tests, an interview, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, employment record review, fingerprinting and background check, medical examination, and drug screening.

Responsibilities

Provide professional assessment and/or counseling services to at-risk youth and their families referred by judges, arbitration programs, schools, parents, law enforcement agencies, and other sources.
Conduct interviews and facilitate family, parent, and other group sessions at assigned BSO district sites and in the community, including weekly visits to assigned schools and client family homes.
Provide information and referrals to community, social service, and related resources.
Maintain communication and involvement with law enforcement, judicial agencies, and other juvenile justice system entities to divert juveniles from the system when possible.
Network with social service providers and community leaders to maintain current referral resources.
Develop community service work program sites, assign juveniles to those sites, monitor participants, and provide transportation using an assigned BSO pool vehicle.
Conduct seminars and programs for community organizations on substance abuse, motivation techniques, parental effectiveness, and community youth development.
Disseminate information about existing juvenile programs through public presentations.
Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual reports, including progress and status reports and vehicle mileage records.
Perform related duties as directed.