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

Juvenile Court Counselor (S)

Position Number:  | Grade: NC09 | District 10 (Wake County, Central Region) | Agency:
Dept. of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention seeks a Junior Court Counselor to provide intake and supervision services for undisciplined and delinquent juveniles, ensuring community safety and supporting the rehabilitation of youth.

• Receive and process allegations of delinquent and undisciplined behavior.
• Assess risks and needs of the juvenile to protect the community and promote well‑being.
• Divert youth whose risk levels and needs can be met through diversion plans without formal court intervention.
• Make recommendations to the court regarding secure detention, if warranted.
• Provide case management for youths on probation, ensuring compliance with court orders.
• Deliver aftercare case‑management and post‑release supervision to juveniles returning to the community.

• Experience navigating complex family dynamics to support family‑centered care.
• Experience with case management documentation following professional standards.
• Experience addressing socioeconomic and psychosocial factors that contribute to at‑risk juveniles.
• Experience utilizing a System of Care approach that addresses determinants of juvenile delinquency.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least one year of counseling or related experience with juveniles and families.
• Or Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of counseling or related experience with juveniles and families.

• Minimum education and experience combination listed above.
• For trainee appointments, a bachelor’s degree is required.

Salary range: $39,671–$69,426, depending on education and experience. Initial salary is based on total months of related education and experience above the minimum.

Step pay plan (per NC General Statute 143B-1209.54):

• Step 0 – $45,422
• Step 1 – $48,374
• Step 2 – $51,520
• Step 3 – $54,868
• Step 4 – $58,435
• Step 5 – $62,223
• Step 6 – $66,278

• Vacation days and twelve paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health insurance, dental insurance, and long‑term and short‑term disability coverage
• Retirement and other benefit packages

Full‑time position, Monday‑Friday 8:00a.m.–5:00p.m.; must be willing to work on‑call hours, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.

Eligible for the agency’s employee referral bonus program. Applicants referred by a current employee who is hired may qualify the referrer for a bonus.

Applicants may also apply for a Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee position. Trainees receive 6‑ to 24‑month progressive training, shadowing, court recommendation preparation, and system of care exposure. Upon successful completion of training, trainees can be appointed as full‑time counselors.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and embraces an Employment First philosophy that complies with all federal, state, and executive orders. The department adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and actively seeks qualified applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans and national guard members.