JOB TITLE: JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST TRAINEE, DHS

JOB CODE: 41785

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 structured trainee work in assisting in the 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 participates in formal classroom training sessions and on-the-job training assignments to develop the proficiency required to supervise and lead activities with court adjudicated youth, maintain a safe environment, and assist professional staff with implementing treatment plans. Training is achieved through formal classroom instruction, computer-based training, reading assignments, and behavioral observation of individuals. On-the-job training involves engaging with adjudicated youth; participating in structured and recreational activities; providing insight, guidance, and reinforcement for responsible behavior; attending meetings and appointments with higher level staff; and assisting staff with restraint interventions to prevent injuries and maintain order. As knowledge and skills are acquired, further developmental assignments are given in actual work situations. Training and work assignments are performed under the close supervision and review of higher-level staff.

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.)

•Completes formal classroom and on-the-job training designed to develop the skills necessary to assist professional staff in implementing individual youth treatment plans.

•Instructs and guides court adjudicated youth in their daily activities, such as personal hygiene, mealtime, recreation, and work assignments.

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

•Observes adjudicated youth and reports changes in personality, demeanor, and degree of program participation to assist professional staff with implementing treatment plans.

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

•Prepares reports and completes logs and forms used to record daily observations of the youths’ progress in meeting program and individual goals.

•Utilizes appropriate restraint techniques to prevent injuries and escapes.

•Accompanies staff on searches for adjudicated youth who are AWOL.

• Inspects doors, windows, locks, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers and reports deficiencies to ensure staff and youths’ personal safety.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

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