Juvenile Court Counselor​/Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee- District ; Cumberland

Agency & Division

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) protects and serves the people of North Carolina. This opening is in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Division, which works to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency through effective intervention, education, and treatment.

We are seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Juvenile Court Counselors. The role involves intake, assessment, diversion, case management, and post‑release supervision for youth involved in the court system.

• Receive and process allegations of delinquent and undisciplined behavior; assess risks and needs of the juvenile.
• Determine appropriate care and control measures for the community and youth welfare.
• Divert youth whose risk levels and needs can be met through diversion plans without formal court intervention.
• Make court recommendations based on assessments, including secure detention when warranted.
• Provide case management for youths on probation, ensuring service delivery and court order compliance.
• Offer aftercare and post‑release supervision for juveniles returning to the community after a youth development center commitment.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of experience in counseling or working with the juvenile/family client population, or a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of related experience.
• Relevant education and experience must be documented in the application.

• Experience navigating complex family dynamics in support of family‑centered care.
• Experience with case management documentation in accordance with professional standards.
• Experience addressing socioeconomic and psychosocial issues that contribute to at‑risk youth.
• Experience using a System of Care approach that addresses factors contributing to juvenile delinquency.

Salary range: $39,671–$69,426. The pay is determined by relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations. Step pay plan steps from $45,422 (Step0) up to $66,278 (Step6).

Full‑time Monday‑Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm. On‑call hours, weekends, and holidays are required on a rotating basis to meet the needs of juveniles and their families.

Vacation, 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave, health, dental and short‑/long‑term disability insurance.

A separate Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee position is available, offering 6‑ to 24‑month training, progressive career development, and step progression pay as outlined in the posting.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer dedicated to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, and religious needs.