JUVENILE SERVICES SPECIALIST 2
Pay Range GC14

INTRODUCTION

This classification performs duties in leading and directing the activities of juveniles in detention, residential services, or special programs through the Juvenile Department.  Employee is responsible for maintaining order and discipline and for the safety and protection of emotional and physical well being of youth offenders and juvenile clients.  Employee transports juveniles, facilitates cognitive-behavioral and skills-based groups and provides individual supervision of juveniles while providing other support services necessary for specific programs.  Work is performed in environment of staff providing supervision 24 hours a day, either in the secure custody setting of detention or in residential setting of shelter facility; The detention facility operates a 30-day, extended detention program for youth ordered into the program by the court.  This position may also act as shift leader.

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. Make lodging decisions in accordance with the Oregon Revised Statutes, on youth who have been delivered to the detention facility by law enforcement, conduct facility intake procedures, complete all necessary facility admission paperwork.

2. Supervise juveniles to ensure the physical needs of juveniles are met, the facility is secure and order is maintained.  Instruct juveniles on rules and procedures, check for illness or injury, provide meals, clothing and bedding as needed and assist with other necessities.

3. Give practical advice or guidance to youth and keep other staff informed of such.  Document activities and observations; prepare incident reports; consult with coworkers regarding youth offenders (detention) or juvenile clients (shelter facility).

4. Instruct, supervise and participate with juveniles in daily work, recreational or educational activities; assist in planning and coordinating group activities; function as shift leader( in detention facility) or  lead worker ( in shelter facility) as assigned by management.

5. Coordinate and provide back-up transportation to juveniles with Court-ordered placements, medical appointments, etc.

6. Anticipate hostile behavior of juveniles and resolve conflicts; assist in crisis intervention.

7. For the sole purpose of taking youth offenders into custody per ORS 419A.016, this classification has the standing of a juvenile counselor.

8. Ensure that the intake and release of juveniles follow specifically outlined procedures.

9. Write reports for youth in the 30-day extended detention program, including initial, 15-day, and final progress reports.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of juvenile behavior and human relations.

Ability to:  Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; give practical advice and guidance to juveniles; develop rapport with youth in the 30-day extended detention program, providing feedback on the youth’s progress while in programming and direction for future goals; gain confidence of the juveniles; lead and direct work and recreational activities; apply a practical knowledge of program requirements and procedures to day-to-day activities; maintain order, discipline and safety; discipline firmly and fairly; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; estimate time and materials and manage time efficiently; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures; maintain progress reports and charts; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, juveniles and their families, schools, outside agency personnel and the public; document incidents effectively, notify victims when youth are lodged, apply Cognitive Behavioral Intervention principles to reduce impulsive and anti-social behavior in youth.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor’s degree in social services, psychology or a related field OR two years direct experience in the care and management of youth OR satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.  At the time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Desirable qualifications: Experience in a detention or residential setting.  Certification of basic residential child care or juvenile detention, workshops or other relevant training.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THE POSITION

This classification works with supervision from the Assistant Detention Manager (detention facility) or the Juvenile Services Facility & Development Manager (shelter facility), who assigns work orally or in writing.  Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience.  Employee estimates time and materials, manages time efficiently, maintains order and contributes to the facility running smoothly.  Employee uses initiative and judgment in completing routine assignments.  Interpretation of general administrative or operational policies and procedures is sometimes necessary.  Significant deviations require prior approval by management staff.  Work is checked at completion of projects.  Employees may or may not work in proximity of supervisor.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established departmental policies and procedures, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; accepted corrections and social work principles and practices.  Employee uses judgment in determining appropriate procedure.  Supervisor is available when unusual problems are encountered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Most work is performed at a juvenile detention and/or shelter residential facility, and requires participating in work and recreational activities with the juveniles; must be able to apprehend and restrain hostile youth when necessary.  Physical demands may require bending, gripping with hands, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 60 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching, running, shoveling and walking.  A considerable amount of driving may be required.