JOB TITLE: JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST, DHS

JOB CODE: 41790

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Juvenile Justice Specialist job series describes work in providing guidance, training, and direction to court adjudicated youth in a secure or restrictive setting.

DEFINITION: This is work providing care, custody, oversight, and development of court adjudicated youth in a state operated Youth Development Center (YDC) or Youth Forestry Camp (YFC).

An employee in this job directs and instructs court adjudicated youth at a residential treatment facility. Work involves overseeing and engaging with adjudicated youth to maintain safety in the facility and to assist professional staff in providing resident treatment services. Work includes actively engaging with court adjudicated youth to address personal problems; planning and leading activities to reinforce responsible behaviors and attitudes; escorting adjudicated youth to and from various activities and appointments; and participating in treatment team meetings and recommending and implementing modifications to treatment plans. Work also includes directing adjudicated youth in their daily activities; facilitating groups for adjudicated youth to develop effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills; responding to emergencies; using restrictive intervention procedures to prevent injuries and absconding; and searching for youth who are absent without leave (AWOL). Work is performed independently under the direction of a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

•Oversees, instructs, and guides court adjudicated youth in their daily activities, such as personal hygiene routines, treatment activities, visits and outings, mealtimes, recreational activities, cleaning and laundry tasks, and study time.

•Engages with adjudicated youth about their concerns and problems, provides insight, and reinforces positive attitudes and actions.

•Participates in multidisciplinary treatment meetings, reports behavioral changes and progress, and recommends and implements modifications to treatment plans.

•Maintains accurate records of daily observations of the youths' progress in meeting program and individual goals.

•Escorts residents to and from various activities, clinics, appointments, and visits on and off grounds.

•Instructs and guides adjudicated youth in housekeeping duties, such as cleaning, laundry, and caring for furnishings.

•Maintains order by using appropriate restraint techniques to prevent injuries and escapes.

•Searches adjudicated youth and all areas for contraband.

• Searches for adjudicated youth who are AWOL and aids in their return.

• Maintains security by checking doors, windows, locks, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers; and reports deficiencies to ensure safety.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of human services programs and objectives.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Ability to use sound judgment in situations involving decision-making and stress.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to read and understand written materials.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Two years of experience in the care, custody, activities, or personal guidance of adolescents or adults in a human services or social services program, law enforcement or correctional program, or an educational, community, or military organization;

or

• An associate’s degree in social sciences, counseling, restorative justice, juvenile justice, child development, behavioral sciences, human services, criminal justice, education, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All employees must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.