Juvenile Group Worker - Detention - Juvenile

Marion County; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Marion County Juvenile Department seeks a Juvenile Group Worker to supervise youth in a 24/7 detention environment and support rehabilitation goals. You will facilitate activities, maintain safety, and assist with transportation and intake tasks.

The role requires shift work, including overnights and weekends, and adherence to PREA standards and department policies. A valid Oregon driver’s license is required and CPR/First Aid certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adolescent development and juvenile behavior.
• Ability to facilitate groups and provide evidence-based activities.
• Experience supporting youth in detention/group-home settings preferred.
• Ability to drive and manage transportation of youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and close supervision for youth in detention or residential care.
• Transport youth in secure transports and supervise visitors.
• Conduct daily routines, hygiene, meals, and housekeeping guidance.
• De-escalate conflicts and apply cognitive behavioral interventions.
• Document behavior, incidents and activity plans in required systems.

Skills

Adolescent development knowledge

Communication skills

Group facilitation

De-escalation techniques

Driving

Education

Two years of college coursework in juvenile justice or related field

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field (preferred)

Job description

This recruitment has been reopened for additional applicants. If you have already applied for recruitment #220-2026-8, you do not need to reapply.

The Juvenile Department provides court-involved youth with detention, restitution, education, and probation services, and abides by federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Standards.

The juvenile detention program

offers a continuum of services focused on enhancing public safety through risk reduction and skill development. This position requires work in a 24/7 facility and requires shift work, which may include overnights and weekends.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Juvenile Group Workers provide care, close supervision, and support services for youth in a detention facility or residential setting; transport and assist youth in juvenile and residential care, develop and implement activities aligned with evidence-based practices that enhances the growth and development of the youth.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the direct supervision of the Juvenile Detention Manager or designee, who assigns work, establishes goals and reviews work for conformance to established standards and statutes.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification.

While employees in this classification may occasionally train others, such as new employees, volunteers, or for cross-training and special projects,

lead work is not the responsibility of positions in this classification.

If an appointing authority assigns the full range of lead duties, the employee will be compensated in accordance with Marion County Personnel Rules.

Supervision

• Provides active supervision of juveniles in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
• Provides services and programs to juveniles in compliance with department vision, goals and objectives.
• Provides orientation services for incoming juveniles to support and ensure their ability to understand expectations.
• Provides guidance of daily routines and activities including hygiene, food service and housekeeping.
• Engages youth and facilitates evidence-based groups, organized activities and recreation and identifies opportunities to increase pro-social skills and abilities.
• Provides appropriate cognitive and behavioral interventions with juveniles who may be acting out, distraught, angry, confused, depressed, mentally ill, and/or uncooperative to de-escalate behavior, gain their confidence and cooperation.
• Re-directs behavior of juveniles using role modeling, facilitating problem solving, reminders of expectations, cognitive interventions and coaching. Communicates and provides appropriate interventions for potential developmental disabilities, mental health crises and medical and/or emotional needs.
• Transports and maintains supervision of juveniles by driving a motor vehicle in secure transports.
• Provides supervision of visitors including but not limited to juvenile family members and approved visitors, service providers, attorneys and volunteers/interns.

Safety and Security

• Maintains the safety and security of the facility including keys, tools and equipment control; conducts inspections, security checks and searches; reports any improperly functioning equipment and needed repairs. Conducts and documents head count/bed checks in accordance with facility standards.
• Performs searches of juvenile and/or property; secures medications and contraband or other non-allowed program items; monitors use of cleaning supplies and keeps supplies secured when not in use.
• When non-physical interventions or de-escalation have been unsuccessful, manages specialized behavior problems with out-of-control juveniles by utilizing physical intervention and restraint techniques to prevent harm to the juvenile or others in accordance with policy, training and program certification.
• Responds when First Aid is needed and to medical emergencies. Complies with Universal Precautions.

Administrative

• Performs responsibilities for admission and release from programs. Completes initial assessment and screenings for medical/mental health needs; completes data entry related paperwork.
• Prepares paperwork and documentation required by policy and procedure. Documents individual juvenile’s behavior and performance as observed by daily contact and supervision methods including evaluating and rating behaviors; writing behavior/incident reports; documenting individual skills training and skill reinforcement; scheduling youth activities through the computerized systems; maintaining rosters; completing shift documentation and/or records; exhibiting clear communication both verbally and in writing; maintaining confidentiality.
• Responds to e-mails, voicemails and memos in a timely manner; establishes and maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, customers and other agencies by maintaining regular and punctual work attendance.
• Complies with training requirements.
• Possesses a Food Handler’s card or will obtain one within the first 30 days of hire. Document meal and snack counts.
• Has and maintains a valid Oregon Class C driver’s license with approval to drive.
• Dispenses medications as prescribed and directed.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. Two years of college with significant coursework in juvenile justice. sociology, psychology. or a related field; AND
2. Two years of experience engaging and supporting juveniles, preferably in a detention, group-home, or court-involved setting; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

PREFERENCES

• Bachelor's degree in human services, juvenile justice, psychology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518
• Possess, or obtain within 90 days of hire, current CPR and Basic First Aid certification. Maintain ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
• Obtain initial blood borne pathogens training within 30 days of hire.
• For detention positions, possess or obtain within 180 days of hire, LEDS certification.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Works in a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation, with rotating shift schedules and workstations. This includes working day, swing, and grave shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of adolescent development, juvenile behavior, and intervention techniques.

Skill and ability to learn juvenile laws in the State of Oregon; learn and implement evidence-based programs and principles to reduce community risk factors and increase protective factors; implement evidence-based practices and principles with juveniles in a group setting and on an individual basis; facilitate skill building groups and teach and support individual skill development; follow directives of policies and procedures; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; maintain required certifications and trainings; work with juveniles from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with a variety of dynamics and issues; develop effective working relationships with coworkers, youth, family and the public; use sound, practical and fair judgment in assessment and decision making; understand basic computer skills; drive a motor vehicle; work a flexible schedule with a variety of hours and shifts within a 24-hour period and maintain alertness and observance during shifts; and ensure punctuality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Drives a motor vehicle in the performance of duties; uses depth perception; reads a 12-pt. font; distinguishes colors; speaks with a clear and audible voice; hears a normal speech level; rapid-mental/hand/eye coordination; sits; stands; bends forward; moves about the work area; climbs 1 floor of stairs; reaches overhead; uses a keyboard and computer; lifts, pushes, pulls, moves carts and carries items weighing up to 125 lbs.; lift up to 75 lbs., and carry boxes of paper weighing up to 50 lbs. for up to 25 feet; may be exposed to noise, wet areas, ladder/scaffolding, chemicals, and high exposure risk to OSHA Blood/Body Fluid; restrain out of control youth; grasping, dragging, twisting, and turning.