COUNSELOR - YOUTH HOME -MULTIPLE

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government’s Youth Home seeks staff to monitor, supervise, and counsel juveniles to prevent acting-out or harm. Working under supervision, you will manage routines, respond to incidents, and coordinate with staff to maintain safety and order.

Candidates need an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field (or a high school diploma with relevant experience). A four-week JJO certification, CPR, and a valid NC driver license are required within the first year.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Alternatively, high school diploma with two years experience working with juveniles.
• Ability to follow procedures while supervising youth.
• Effective oral and written communication; maintain routine records.

Responsibilities

• Provides security and supervision of juveniles detained at the Durham County Youth Home.
• Monitors behavior of juveniles to maintain order and prevent injuries or escapes.
• Monitors juveniles to ensure proper personal hygiene.
• Supervises juveniles in the maintenance of sleeping and recreational areas.
• Receives and processes information on juveniles admitted and release from detention.
• Follows standard procedures when admitting and releasing juveniles.
• Communicates daily with court and police personnel.
• Administers medication to juveniles as prescribed by medical personnel.

Skills

Security knowledge

Supervise juveniles

Communication skills

Record keeping

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice or related field

High school diploma + 2 years juvenile experience

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

Department

YOUTH HOME

Date Posted

MAY 28, 2026

Closing Date

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Hiring Range

$51,504.00 - $69,633.00

Position Number

MULTIPLE

Job Type

FULL-TIME

• This position is eligible for a $6,000 sign on bonus*

General Description

The purpose of this job is to monitor, supervise, and counsel juveniles throughout the shift to prevent acting-out or aggressive behavior, which would prove harmful to Youth Home residents, staff, or property. This position works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides security and supervision of juveniles detained at the Durham County Youth Home.
• Monitors behavior of juveniles to maintain order and to prevent injuries or escapes.
• Monitors juveniles to ensure proper personal hygiene.
• Supervises juveniles in the maintenance of sleeping and recreational areas.
• Receives and processes information on juveniles admitted and release from detention.
• Follows standard procedures when admitting and releasing juveniles.
• Communicates daily with court and police personnel.
• Administers medication to juveniles as prescribed by medical personnel.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedure of juvenile detention.
• General knowledge and understanding of adolescent problems and delinquency.
• Ability to supervise juveniles in a closed environment.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain routine records.
• Effectively communicate with the public.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Requires an associate degree in criminal justice or a human services field; or graduation from high school and two years of experience with juveniles in a structured environment or related field supplemented by two (2) years of experience in counseling, detention services or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Physical Demands

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, dancing, stretching, or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 100+ pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications And Licenses

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen and at least 20 years of age.
• Employment is contingent on passing a physical examination, positive background check and negative drug test results.
• Must have valid North Carolina driver license and ability to meet Durham County’s acceptable three-year driving criteria for using a county vehicle to transport.
• Must successfully obtain a four-week Juvenile Justice Officer (JJO) General Certification within first year of employment, First-Aid, and CPR.

Special Requirements

• Must have valid North Carolina driver license and ability to meet Durham County’s acceptable three-year driving criteria for using a county vehicle to transport.

Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Background Check Statement

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.