JOB TITLE: JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR, DHS

JOB CODE: 41791

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 supervisory work in the care, custody, and oversight of court adjudicated youth in a state operated Youth Development Center (YDC) or Youth Forestry Camp (YFC).

An employee in this job supervises Juvenile Justice Specialists who oversee, lead, and participate in the daily activities of court adjudicated youth to maintain order and assist professional staff with implementing resident treatment plans. Work involves assigning staff to lead individual and group activities, assist adjudicated youth with work assignments, accompany youth to appointments, and participate in treatment planning meetings. Work includes supervising the use of restrictive procedures for youth that may be a danger to themselves or others; overseeing staff on special assignments or visits; assigning staff to search for escapees or youth who are absent without leave (AWOL) and to aid in their return when appropriate; and ensuring staff are modeling and promoting effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Work also includes inspecting living and common areas to ensure materials, supplies, and equipment are adequate and safe. Work is performed independently under the general direction of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports for overall program effectiveness.

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.)

• Supervises staff who assist professional staff in implementing resident treatment plans for competency development, accountability, and community protection.

• Trains subordinate staff in the principles and practices of effective care, custody, and control of adjudicated youth; and the use of appropriate restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe and secure environment.

• Reviews daily logs, reports, and forms to ensure staff update and maintain documents in compliance with program requirements.

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

• Assigns and directs staff to escort and accompany adjudicated youth in their daily activities, including special trips and visits.

• Inspects living quarters and common areas to ensure that appropriate supplies, equipment, and areas are maintained.

• Conducts fire drills and other safety programs to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of staff and adjudicated youth.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of behavioral and developmental principles and practices and their application to living situations.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of instructional techniques for life, interpersonal, communication, decision-making, and relationship building skills.

• Knowledge of housekeeping principles and methods used to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

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

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• 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.

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

• One year of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist (commonwealth title);

or

• Three 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

• One year 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; and 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.