Youth Program Officer​/Case Worker

DEPT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS

Our vision is to make Arizona’s community safer by delivering effective rehabilitative services to the young people entrusted to our care. The mission of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections is to provide the young people in our care with evidence‑based rehabilitative services that enhance their well‑being and equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive as successful members of society.

Adobe Mountain School, 2800 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027

Salary: 58,804.26

Grade: DJ19A

Closing Date: 06/21/2026

We are seeking a Youth Program Officer III/Caseworker (YPO III) who will work directly with youth by providing a wide range of casework duties to include clinical oversight, crisis intervention, supervision, and group facilitation. The YPO III will work collaboratively with various teams and staff, and will provide services to youth families, outside agencies and agency staff.

• Prepare and facilitate psycho‑educational groups and document group sessions for each individual youth.
• Document notes for all contact with youth, youth families, outside agencies, and internal agency assessment.
• Plan, schedule, conduct and participate in various meetings.
• Ensure positive and effective engagement with youth’s family and outside agencies.
• Assist with youth supervision, behavior management, and oversight of youth within the facility.
• Provide additional support to other unit staff as needed when situations arise.
• Act as a positive role model for youth and ensure positive interaction and communication.
• Conduct one‑on‑one discussions with youth as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance and conduct conflict resolution as needed.
• Perform other duties assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Agency policies and procedures.
• State juvenile justice systems.
• Developmental needs of juveniles.
• Dynamics of human behaviors and crisis intervention.
• Principles and practices of casework.
• Paraprofessional counseling and assessment.
• Computerized documentation systems.

Skill in:

• Written and verbal communication.
• Conducting interviews.
• Working with database formats.
• Compiling and maintaining case summaries and records.
• Interpersonal relationships.
• Performing individual and group paraprofessional counseling.
• Customer service.
• Youth and adult de‑escalation.
• Problem solving.
• Leadership and decision making.
• Group facilitation.
• Proper documentation.
• Computer software including but not limited to Google Suite.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections’ policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with ADJC personnel, other governmental employees, and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively.
• Resolve conflict.
• Analyze situations and take effective actions.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Manage behavior and maintain control of youth.
• Follow written and verbal instruction.
• Work in a correctional environment.

ADJC Career Path eligibility criteria: Two or more years of experience as a Youth Corrections Officer with a Letter of Recommendation signed by the direct supervisor and upline manager.

External candidates: Two or more years of experience as a Youth Corrections Officer or as a Case worker. Required to complete Youth Corrections Officer Academy and pre‑employment assessments.

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a comprehensive background investigation.

Current State of Arizona employees:
In order to be considered for this position, it requires acceptable performance history as demonstrated by not having been issued a letter of suspension or being involuntarily demoted within the one year preceding this job posting close date, and having an overall rating of "meets expectations" or higher on the most recent employee performance evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function on the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid…