Juvenile Counselor; Juvenile Detention – Teacher Assistant

Juvenile Counselors are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all residents and employees in the Hulse Juvenile Detention Center and FACE-IT Residential Program. It is a direct care position that entails supervising a group of residents throughout the day. The Juvenile Counselor will monitor and address the behavior of residents and offer support and guidance while using evidence-based practices to increase motivation to behavior change.

Becoming a Juvenile Counselor for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Hulse Detention Center, would allow you to be involved with restorative justice solutions for court‑involved youth. Your day will consist of handling routine and crisis situations and observing and recording behavior patterns.

Due to the nature of the role and privacy consideration, this position requires a female, which constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) under Title VII.

• Maintain safety and security of all residents, staff and the facility.
• Conduct personal and room searches when appropriate; and counsel residents by providing answers to questions and addressing concerns.
• Monitor daily activity of juveniles in secure detention; and monitor residents’ behaviors and conversations.
• Provide group forums to discuss life skills, values, and tools to have a positive impact on their families and communities.
• Provide a proper educational environment for minors to learn and complete schoolwork; prepares residents for re‑entry into school, the community or a school which is appropriate for their needs.
• Complete various reports (i.e., incident reports, time‑out reports, log information, etc.); document factual information to be used by the judge in determining appropriate dispositions.
• Counsel juveniles on various situations; provide daily support and guidance according to prescribed methods.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

• Good knowledge of modern social service practices and casework philosophy, methods, and practices
• Good knowledge of the methods, practices, and procedures of investigation
• Ability to deal with difficult offenders in the community.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Possession of a significant level of ethical integrity
• Ability to effectively problem solve.
• Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, judges, attorneys, clients, and the general public.
• Work with mathematical concepts.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (Word processing and spreadsheet) are required.

• Completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours earned at a university, college, or community college preferably with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field.
• Employees have 5 years from the date of hire to complete their bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. (Lake County currently offers employees $2,000 per year for eligible education reimbursement, after completing one year of employment)
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court. The following is a link to the required form:
  Employment | Probation/Court Services

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of Illinois.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must pass a physical examination

• Ability to restrain juveniles once properly trained.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk or driving a vehicle.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing and may include a pre‑employment medical exam.