YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNSELOR I                                                             L0931

Definition:

This is specialized counseling work concerned with the rehabilitation and social development of delinquent youth.

An employee in this class supervises a small group of delinquent youth in work, recreational, or educational activities to effect changes in their social behavior. Duties are varied and include individual and group counseling, maintaining constructive discipline and security, and giving instruction. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level counselor and is reviewed for conformance to accepted departmental and institutional policies and procedures through inspection of results, conferences, and reports.

Examples of Work:

Supervises delinquent youth in development centers or other youth programs to effect changes in their social behavior.

Stimulates interest and cooperation in individual and group activities and observes youth behavior to prevent disturbances, maintain security, and promote treatment.

Participates in immediate and long range counseling to troublesome youth who may also be emotionally disturbed.

Administers or recommends disciplinary measures in situations requiring immediate action, reports serious problems for investigation and corrective action.

Supervises youth in work, recreational, and emotional activities and participates in their instruction.

Participates in recreational activities and work assignments as a means of communication with delinquent youth.

Maintains proper conduct and security of delinquent youth on work, recreational, and educational assignments.

Prepares periodic and special evaluations on delinquent youth; reports significant changes in social behavior and makes recommendations for changes in assignments.

Meets other agencies, interested parties, or families of delinquent youth to further youth adjustment.

Gives basic instruction in work, recreation, and housekeeping activities.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the physical and emotional needs and problems of youth with emphasis on the delinquent.

Considerable knowledge of simple health, safety, and first-aid practices.

Knowledge of group life with emphasis on youth group behavior and needs in work, recreational, and educational activities.

Some knowledge of casework and group work principles and methods especially as related to services to delinquent children.

Ability to work and communicate with delinquent youth.

Ability to observe, understand, and report behavioral problems of youth and administer or recommend corrective action.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with delinquent youth, staff workers, and the general public.

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Minimum Experience and Training:

One year experience as a Youth Development Counselor Trainee; or one year of experience working with adolescents, and a bachelor's degree, including courses in the behavioral sciences; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification – 1973

Evaluation Guide - 1982

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST07