Diversion Counselor

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch seeks a Diversion Counselor to liaison with schools and the Juvenile Prosecutor referrals into the YEIS department’s truancy diversion and diversion programs. The role involves guiding referred youth, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with diversion terms using motivational interviewing.

You will develop 90-day plans, build partnerships with community services, track outcomes, and maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or four years of experience working with problem-families.
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the Juvenile Court System.
• Relates well to all kinds of people; practices attentive and active listening.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word.

Responsibilities

• Condu ct conferences with youth and families to assess needs and link with community programs.
• Develops a 90-day intervention plan and coordinates with services to re-engage youth in education.
• Ensure youth compliance with plan via telephone, home, school, or treatment centers.
• Participate in team meetings to develop recommendations for treatment and placement.
• Maintain confidential case files in line with departmental policies.
• Update informal notes; prepare activity reports and monthly statistics.
• Redirect inappropriate behavior using motivational interviewing and guidance.
• Participate in meetings and training opportunities for diversion program education.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Magistrate/Judge; attend hearings as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Motivational interviewing

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field

4 years of experience with problem-families

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Diversion Counselor serves as a liaison for local school districts/Juvenile Prosecutor referrals into the YEIS department’s truancy diversion and diversion programs. The position will monitor, guide and assist referred youth, to prevent such youth from becoming involved in the Juvenile Court System through informal assessment and plan development that includes family support, counseling, education, attendance improvement through engagement with community services and resources. The Diversion counselor will build partnerships with agencies and programs with services that complement and strengthen the delivery of services to involved youth and their families. The position will track, collect and report data to identify and measure program progress and results. The Diversion Counselor is responsible for complying with federal, state, and Court policies and procedures as well as ensure the youth cooperates within the Diversion Program terms and conditions. The Diversion Counselor is responsible for managing /supervising designated cases of juveniles referred by school districts/Prosecutor, assessing and determining the appropriate programming and contact standards based on the needs of each youth using Court approved risk assessments (e.g. Ohio Youth Assessment System) and ensuring all required paperwork is completed and signed by youth/parent/guardian. The Diversion Counselor monitors the youth’s compliance with the diversion conference plan and counsels with an emphasis on motivational interviewing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct conferences with youth and families to assess needs, provide linkage with appropriate community programs, re-engage youth in education, correct negative behavior and avoid formal court hearings and/or prevent continued delinquent/unruly activity. Maintain regular contact with diversion services to monitor youth's successful program/services completion. Monitor effectiveness of diversion orders and referrals. Process case terminations.
2. Develops a 90-day intervention/prevention plan for youth and family referred to the program; provide linkage with appropriate community programs, Court services, external agencies re-engage youth in education, correct negative behavior andavoid formal court hearings and/or prevent continued delinquent/unruly activity; respond to questions/inquiries related to programcomponents.
3. Ensure youth compliance with plan, contact youth via telephone or at home, school, or treatment centers.
4. Participate in team meetings with youth, parents, school district and community agencies and otherpersonneltodeveloprecommendationsforappropriatetreatment,placement,and otherrecommendations.
5. Maintain and update confidential case files on all youth in accordance with the departmental policies andprocedures.
6. Update and maintain informal case notes; complete paperwork including activity reports, and monthly statistics; develop and monitor plan goals; complete reports and forms as needed; and complete reports as requested by the school district, Court and/or external agencies for servicemonitoring.
7. Redirect inappropriate behavior and attitudes using motivational interviewing and other departmental practices; helps youth internalize their behaviors using counseling and guidance; establishes relationship with youth, serves as role model, and supports youth’sprogress.
8. Participateinexternal/internalmeetings,diversionprogrameducationandtraining opportunities.
9. Prepares reports and recommendations regarding sanctions for Magistrate/Judge upon formal filing; attend court hearings as needed orrequested.
10. Performs duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or four years of experience working with problem-families
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the Juvenile Court System
  Relates well to all kinds of people; practices attentive and active listening
• Strong computer skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word

It is the policy of The Court to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. The Court prohibits discrimination and maintains a strict disciplinary policy, up-to and including termination for violations of the EEO policy.