Juvenile Probation Counselor I

Juvenile Probation Counselor I

Thurston County Juvenile Court is recruiting for a Juvenile Probation Counselor I. Thurston County Juvenile Court is seeking professional, proficient, and dedicated candidates for the Juvenile Probation Counselor I position. In this position, you will be responsible for monitoring a caseload and providing supervision, advocacy, interventions, and general counseling to adjudicated youthful offenders, dependent children, youth in conflict with their families, truants, and other youth under the supervision of the Juvenile Court.

Other responsibilities may include monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions and providing support services and referrals to appropriate community agencies to modify and re-direct delinquent behavior of youth.

This recruitment is for three positions: one in the Dependency Guardian Ad Litem unit, and two in the Probation unit.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitors, directs, and counsels juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders in their completion of court-ordered obligations.
• Formulates responses to non-compliance that may include returning the juvenile to court.
• Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to determine risk to re-offend and identify risk and need. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to develop a Case Plan to decrease criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors. Completes risk assessment reassessments as necessary.
• Refers eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs. Coordinates community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol/drug treatment, psychiatric/psychological services, and other counseling and treatment programs.
• Performs field supervision of juvenile offenders, including home, school, and job contacts. Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and other relevant events and issues on each assigned juvenile.
• Provides legal preparation, court reports, and court appearance on cases assigned.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public.
• Leads, teaches and/or facilitates classes and programs for youth and/or parents.
• Transports youth in custody.

Working conditions:

• Work Environment – The position is based in a courthouse environment in Tumwater, WA. Staff are assigned to work within the courthouse, which may involve a combination of offices, courtrooms, and other areas of the building.
• Schedule
  - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Travel Requirements – Staff are expected to perform home visits.
• Customer Interactions
  - Daily interactions via phone and in-person with Thurston County staff and the public.

Message to potential applicants:
We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply!

Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, corrections, law enforcement, or public administration.
• Two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile probation, juvenile parole, or social work field. Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the educational qualification on a year for year basis.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

Desired

Skills:

• Successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
• Be certified in Washington State Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA) Assessment Tool.
• A valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Extensive knowledge of juvenile offender programs.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and deal firmly…