Juvenile Probation Counselor

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the case management of juveniles under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, including offender and non‑offender cases, in their assigned program. The role collaborates with local private and public agencies and service providers to support juveniles with rehabilitation efforts and to encourage positive behavioral change. Programs vary based on community and/or legislative needs. Depending on the program, duties may include direct advocacy for children and supervision and training of volunteers who advocate for children in the dependency process.

• Supervises, monitors, and provides counseling to juveniles and/or parents or legal guardians, and works with other organizations or individuals in the juvenile’s life in an effort to modify the juvenile’s behavior, attitudes, and self‑concept.
• Mediates crisis situations, monitors client behavior, assesses and interviews juveniles for emotional, eligibility and/or legal needs for program participation.
• Assists with preparing and presenting testimony in court on matters related to juveniles in offender and civil cases in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Assesses risks, needs, and strengths of juveniles and implements a comprehensive case plan.
• Compiles assessment information from the juvenile, his/her parents, school officials, therapists, victims, peers, police, social workers, ministers, attorneys, judges, and other affiliated individuals.
• Continually monitors, tracks, records, and revises established comprehensive case plans to ensure optimal growth.
• Files motions with the court on juveniles who have failed to comply with the conditions of supervision (i.e., probation violations, revocations, contempt).
• Researches and attends trainings as directed to maintain a good working knowledge of all statutes, and Washington Administrative Codes (WAC’s) as related to juveniles and the services provided to them.
• Attends and participates in various meetings, workshops, and training sessions to improve communications, services, and abilities as they relate to the services provided by the Juvenile Department and community.
• Works closely with the detention staff in case planning, ensuring that assigned juveniles receive the necessary and appropriate services, providing information and ongoing updates on the juvenile’s mental health status, medical needs, and program requirements.
• Prepares and maintains client records, entering accurate case notes, records, and statistics related to the juveniles under supervision.
• Delivers/refers to evidence‑based programs or promising programs and makes referrals to community resources to meet the specific needs of the youth/family.
• Prepares and presents reports for the court and testimony as directed or required.
• Participates in the short and long‑term program and service planning of the Juvenile Department.
• Supports the initiatives and assists in the facilitation of various specialized Juvenile Court programs, trainings, or interventions.
• Recruits, screens, trains, and supports the work of community volunteers.
• Formulates diversion agreements and ensures completion of diversion contracts.
• Participates in community engagement boards and assists schools in training and filing of truancy petitions.
• Helps with education, information, and support for parents/youth in the filing/case‑managing of ARY and CHINS cases.
• Serves legal papers and subpoenas witnesses to support case management.
• Facilitates clinics and workshops as required.
• May function as guardian ad litem (GAL) for dependent children or assist with supporting community volunteers who are serving as guardian ad litem for dependent children.
• Collects DNA, conducts UA’s, and fingerprints as required and authorized by RCW’s.
• May represent program or division with local and state agencies and associations; promotes educational and prevention programs with schools, civic groups, media, and the general public.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the…