What does a juvenile court counselor do

Juvenile Counselor I

Class TitleJuvenile Counselor IClass Code202

Salary $28.55 - $34.73 Hourly

• Definition
• Benefits

PURPOSE

The Juvenile Counselor I classification provides skill building and supervision to juveniles in residential care, home detention, community service, or custody services to programs and within the community.

The Juvenile Counselor I classification is the first level classification in the Juvenile Counselor series.  Some positions at this level may perform duties that are similar to those of a Juvenile Counselor II, but do not function with the same level of independence. Juvenile Counselor I’s do not carry a caseload or perform court duties as a primary function. The duties of other positions within the class may be limited to the operating area to which they are assigned (e.g., Custody Services, Community Service, Home Detention, or Residential Care).

The Juvenile Counselor I receives general direction/supervision from the assigned lead and/or supervisory staff.

 Supervision is not a responsibility for staff assigned to this classification. May assist in training staff as required.

1. Assists in providing individual and family skills training; provides skill building via implementation of effective practices in community supervision to youth to address behavioral and emotional problems.
2. Directs supervision and control of activities of juveniles to include leading activities and groups; organizes household responsibilities and ensures follow-through by juveniles; verbally intervenes and de-escalates potential crisis situations as needed; may be assigned to dispense medication as required. 
3. Screens juveniles to determine program placement and resource needs; Refers juveniles to community agencies; counsels juveniles on personal adjustment issues; assists in the coordination with juveniles’ families for the purpose of assessment and case management; counsels juveniles in establishing personal goals and plans; and documents observed behaviors, contacts and progress.
4. Admits juveniles for detention; determines whether juveniles should be conditionally released, placed in alternative care, or placed in detention, based on information provided by police or others, or as applied by ORS statutes. 
5. Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communication; creates a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace equity, diversity and inclusion and actively promotes an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society. 
6. Arranges for space and transports admitted juveniles to detention facilities.
7. Arranges for medical attention; and provides crisis counseling by telephone.
8. Develops community service worksites, schedules work crews, and supervises juveniles participating in group work projects.
9. Supervises juveniles on community monitoring programs; and visits juveniles at their homes, schools, and places of employment.
10. Prepares reports for courts; and maintains records of juvenile casework, including interviews, assessments, services provided, and juveniles’ progress.
11. May transport juveniles to and from detention centers, courts, state correctional facilities, homes, community service worksites, and other appointments.
12. Develops and maintains familiarity with community resources and partnerships available to juveniles.

Knowledge of:

• Behavior and adjustment problems of juveniles;
• Group facilitation techniques;
• Behavior change and management techniques;
• Interview and assessment techniques;
• Juvenile Code and Juvenile Justice System;
• Community resources available for juveniles; and
• Caseload management.

• Use physical restraints;
• Safely operate a motor vehicle;
• Communicate and work with others effectively in a 24 hour, 7 days a week facility;
• Provide timely, effective, and efficient customer service to citizens, clients, and other employees;
• Interact patiently with individuals who may have little or no experience or knowledge of the program;
• Work with individuals who may have diverging opinions and viewpoints; and
• Perform public speaking and presentation effectively and professionally.

• Assess the needs of juveniles and provide appropriate treatment plans;
• Relate to juveniles and their families;
• Maintain discipline and orderly conduct;
• Work as a team member;
• Objectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals of varying backgrounds and abilities;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others from diverse groups and backgrounds;
• Compose concise, objective reports; and
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development, and the implementation of effective practices.

Education and Experience:

 A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND completion of a one-year practicum OR one (1) year of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR
• An Associate's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND three (3) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR
• Five (5) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families.

• Must possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.
• Passing a background check is required.
• Some positions may require oral and written fluency in another language.

This is a non-represented position and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!  
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.

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Classification Specifications