Youth Screening Specialist

The Youth Screening Specialist is a client serving position with responsibility for screening and assessing youth brought in for processing by law enforcement. Provides screening of youth to determine detention status, assessment of mental health or substance abuse risk factors, and to make a recommendation for services and/or court handling.

This position is between the hours of 6pm-6am.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience working with youth required.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s license and Auto Insurance.

• Reviews law enforcement paperwork and criminal history records.
• Acts as a resource to families, outside agencies and staff; answers telephones.
• Maintains accurate records, to include youth files, screening packets, and documentation in the Department’s Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS).
• Communicates with youth’s parents/guardians, Department of Juvenile Justice and/or Department of Children and Families staff, and law enforcement to ensure efficient and accurate processing of youth.
• Attends court hearings as needed to present findings of detention risk assessment.
• Provides crisis intervention to de‑escalate immediate conflict situations as needed.
• Provides sight and sound supervision of youth at risk for self‑harm.
• Completes installations of EM (electronic monitoring) equipment on youth based on assessment score or court order.
• Assesses suicide risk and completes mental health and substance abuse screenings.
• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Trauma‑Informed Care techniques to effectively conduct all interviews and assessment requirements during the screening process.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Conducts interviews and follows detention screening criteria, for all youth taken into custody, to determine eligibility for release, respite care, supervised release, or secure detention.
• Conducts youth interviews to make appropriate State Attorney recommendations for all youth screened.
• Ensures each youth receives medical and mental health clearance prior to admission to the JAC (juvenile assessment center), or screening processing area.

BAYS is a drug‑free workplace. We prohibit the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances on company premises or during work hours.