Juvenile Correctional Counselor III - Promotional

Juvenile Correctional Counselor III - Promotional

Join the County of Sonoma as a Juvenile Correctional Counselor III under a promotional only recruitment. Eligibility requires that you are presently a full‑time or part‑time regular or probationary employee of the County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency. The Probation Department will open a promotional certification nomination list for this position and may also use that list to fill future full‑time or part‑time vacancies.

Promotional only – the listing is for qualified probation employees only. The position is an additional promotional certification to fill a Juvenile Correctional Counselor III opening. Only permanent or probationary Probation employees on the eligible list may be referred.

Juvenile Correctional Counselor IIIs act in a lead capacity, overseeing and directing the activities of residents detained in Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp. They collaborate with staff, supervisors, directors, health services, and behavioral health services to maintain facility safety and security, provide supervision, care, and guidance, and facilitate evidence‑based interventions. The role includes:

• Supporting unit staff by facilitating programming activities and developing related curriculum
• Applying de‑escalation techniques and engaging in the use of force when necessary
• Providing intensive casework and developing short‑term case plans for residents
• Collaborating with staff to determine and implement the best methods to address resident issues, enforce accountability through the Behavior Management System
• Documenting resident behavior and other necessary information and entering data into justice system databases

• Effective communication and technical writing skills
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to build rapport and develop quality interpersonal relationships with youth
• Excellent time‑management strategies
• A passion for helping and serving others, and the core belief that people can make positive behavior changes
• Basic computer skills to utilize the Microsoft Office suite

• Adolescent Brain Development or Positive Youth Development
• Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
• Cultural Considerations
• Gender Specific Programming
• Motivational Interviewing
• Trauma‑Informed Care

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. This generally includes completion of twelve semester units in one of the following disciplines: criminology, administration of justice, child development, sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance, child psychology, or a closely related field. Candidates must also have six months of experience as a group or youth counselor or other related counseling or case‑management of troubled youth, plus one year of full‑time experience in an equivalent or closely related position to a Juvenile Correctional Counselor II with the County of Sonoma.

In accordance with California Government Code §§ 1029‑1031 and the California Corrections Standards Authority, each employee must be a U.S. citizen or eligible permanent resident, have no prior felony conviction or current formal probation supervision, and score passing on the California Corrections Standards Authority Juvenile Correctional Counselor written exam or an equivalent. Successful candidates must undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, criminal history check, medical examination, and physical agility testing.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license is not required for this position. Discretion may be exercised if a license is deemed necessary for essential job functions.

• Working knowledge of recreational activities for youth, laws and procedures related to detention and custody of youths, child‑abuse reporting laws, first‑aid, CPR, personal hygiene instruction, and safe use of…