Youth Advisor

Description

Under direction, the Youth Advisors are responsible for the direct observation, supervision, guidance and general custodial care of juveniles in residence in a secure detention facility and performs related work as required.

This is the entry level class in the Youth Advisor class series requiring a minimum level of previous experience in working with juveniles. Incumbents will perform basic assignments and receive continuous training in direct observation, supervision, guidance and general custodial care of juveniles and in facilitating programs. Incumbents work under close supervision.

N/A

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required)

• Responsible for the care, security, reporting, observation, supervision, and guidance of juveniles in residence. Maintain security, prevent escapes, and ensure enforcement of policies and procedures. Resolve problems and differences among the juveniles.
• Assist and instruct residents with daily living skills, including personal hygiene and maintenance of living areas.
• Record observations of youth report relevant information to appropriate staff.
• Actively participates in the program planning, development, and teaching of special interest programs.
• Responsible for completing paperwork on shift including documentation in the logbook, incident reports, probable cause reports, intakes and all other forms as needed. This could also include police reports and referrals to Social Service agencies.
• Maintain OSHA and MSDS standards.
• Supervision of juveniles with mental health issues including acute suicidal actions, severe depression, psychosis; making appropriate referrals to mental health professionals for further evaluation.
• Transportation of juveniles to and from the facility as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between Juvenile Services and other outside agencies and the public.
• Ensure that assigned personnel perform duties and responsibilities safely and prudently so that no one is exposed to unnecessary harm or risk of on-the-job injury.
• Ensure that all policies and procedures are followed correctly and consistently.
• Complete comprehensive incident reports and detention behavioral reports correctly and professionally.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge.

Full Performance (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned)

Knowledge Of:

• County and department policies, practices and procedures relevant to area of work assignment
• Computer software specific to the department
• Working knowledge of state and local laws relating to juvenile justice, child welfare, and the court system
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in assigned functions
• Laws, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment
• Knowledge of counseling skills and accepted practices for the guidance and rehabilitation of juveniles
• Principles and practices of supervision
• Principles of de-escalation and communicating directives to defiant youth

Ability To:

• Understand the organization and operation of the County and outside agencies, as necessary to assume assigned duties and responsibilities
• Access and operate department computer equipment and software
• Interact with a variety of individuals (internal and external to the agency) with courtesy, tact, and professionalism
• Interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulation, standards, including administrative and departmental policies and procedures
• Train staff in essential job functions for back up support as necessary
• Exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion
• Perform multiple functions in periods of intense activity requiring a quick response and the application of appropriate procedures
• Input information in an approved database on youth status, referral, detention and disposition as needed

Entry Level (Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods)

Knowledge Of:

• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computer…