*DETENTION/SHELTER COUNSELOR 3
Pay Range GC20

INTRODUCTION

This classification within this three-level series performs on-line supervision of residents and may provide shift team leadership in a juvenile detention and shelter care facility for delinquent adolescents. Counselor provides services related to daily living needs and skill development activities for juveniles who have behavioral and/or emotional problems. Counselor may also provide intake decision-making services for the detention and shelter care facility. All levels may direct volunteers.

This classification is advanced level within the series and is distinguished from the detention shelter counselor 2 by the difficulty of case assignments, greater degree of independence of action, experience, performance of special projects, and the ability to provide backup coverage for Juvenile Detention Team Supervisors in their absence. Counselor may assist the Detention/Shelter Manager and the Team Supervisors in supervision of staff, at the direction of the Detention/Shelter Manager.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Supervise juvenile residents and participate in daily work, recreational or educational activities; train residents, which includes: educational instruction, community safety, observing rules and regulations; insure provision of basic needs and safety within a nurturing and growth oriented environment.

2. May function as lead worker on shift, provide backup coverage for Team Supervisors and Detention Counselors of all levels; plan shift activities to meet program needs; assist with selection, supervision and training of staff. Provide administrative backup support for Detention/Shelter Manager when requested.

3. Make decisions regarding lodging juveniles in detention and shelter when necessary. Assist in orientation of juveniles upon arrival.

4. Coordinate and provide services related to daily living needs for juveniles.

5. Provide group and individual competency development training in areas such as substance abuse, anger management, social skills development, etc.; perform interventions as necessary.

6. Assist with crisis intervention. Provide appropriate documentation regarding activities and critical incidents.

7. Attend shift change meetings to exchange information on clients; consult with other staff regarding assessment, educational instruction and interventions. Assist department staff in assessing treatment needs.

8. Assist the Detention/Shelter Manager in program development, and coordination of services for youth in the detention/shelter facility.  Research services and programs for detained youth, and assist in developing community resources and relationships.

9. Develop staff training curriculum, coordinate staff training, research and design training programs that utilize and build upon employees' strengths and incorporate recognized best practices within the juvenile justice field.

10. Participate in Policy Committee, Training Committee, Safety Committee, Hiring Committee, and other committees as assigned by the Detention/Shelter Manager.

11. Supervise on-call employees assigned to area of responsibility, including preparation of performance evaluations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of social service theory, practices and procedures to be able to identify the problem, decide an appropriate action, and provide indicated services; thorough knowledge of juvenile behavioral problems and methods of treatment such as substance abuse, anger management, physical/emotional/sexual abuse; thorough knowledge of laws relating to juveniles; thorough knowledge of sound case management principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of treatment intervention, management and support strategies; considerable knowledge of community resources, functions and procedures of other social service agencies and service providers. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, treatment notes, reports and statistical data; interviewing, counseling and listening techniques and principles; family and group dynamics; dealing with aggressive or emotionally disturbed juveniles. Ability to: Communicate effectively both in written and oral form; relate to juvenile clients; participate in assessment and program meetings; work independently and manage time efficiently; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; teach socialization and living skills to individuals with various learning levels; select, supervise and train support staff; transport juveniles; plan and supervise program activities; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data; courteously meet and deal effectively and consult with employees, juveniles and their families, schools, law enforcement officials, courts, physicians, service agencies, community and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in social services, psychology or a related field and three years experience in the care and treatment of youth.  Master's degree preferred.  At the time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license.

Desirable qualifications: Experience in residential care or related experience; experience in counseling or casework; training or experience in specific treatment issues.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification works under the guidance of the Detention/Shelter Manager. The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with Manager for professional advice. Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems. Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibly in area of service. Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policies and procedures, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; accepted social work principles and practices. Incumbent exercises independent judgment when applying guidelines that are specific and well defined. Deviations from guidelines are discussed with Detention/Shelter manager in advance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in a residential setting that requires participating in work and recreational activities with the clients; must be able to apprehend and restrain hostile youth when necessary. Physical demands may require bending, gripping with fingers and hands, hearing voice conversation, alarms and buzzers, keyboarding, lifting up to 60 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching, running and walking. A reasonable amount of driving may be required.