Juvenile Justice Counselor

Youth Outreach Services Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Short/Long-Term Disability

403(b) Retirement

PTO

Mileage Reimbursement

PSLF Eligibility

Job summary

Youth Outreach Services in Chicago, IL seeks a Juvenile Justice Counselor to provide direct services to youth referred by the juvenile court or Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. You will provide individual and group counseling, life skills training, and strengthening family partnerships.

The role requires collaboration with probation officers, schools, and community partners, plus case management for 10–23 clients and meticulous documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; HS diploma/GED with significant youth-work experience considered.
• Must be bilingual in Spanish and able to communicate effectively with youth and families.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, access to an insured vehicle, clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs and provide tailored services, including life skills training and referrals.
• Lead group sessions to educate and support youth.
• Engage families to strengthen progress and collaboration with partners.
• Manage a caseload of 10–23 clients with appropriate documentation.
• Collaborate with probation, schools, and community agencies to achieve outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for courts and funders.
• Assist with client transportation using agency vehicles.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

Strong communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

HS diploma/GED with experience

Tools

YASI

Job description

Juvenile Justice Counselor – Youth Outreach Services

Location: Chicago, IL - Austin Job Type: Full-time

About Us

Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and their families. We provide innovative and impactful programs to create a safer and healthier community.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate Juvenile Justice Counselor to provide direct services to youth referred by the juvenile court or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. This role focuses on individual and group counseling, life skills training, and maintaining strong relationships with families and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Support: Assess client needs using tools like YASI and provide tailored services, including life skills training and employment referrals.
• Group Facilitation: Lead group sessions to provide education and support.
• Family Engagement: Maintain and strengthen family relationships as part of client progress.
• Case Management: Manage a caseload of 10–23 clients, ensuring all necessary services are provided.
• Community Collaboration: Partner with probation officers, schools, and community agencies to support client outcomes.
• Administrative Tasks: Maintain accurate documentation, prepare reports for courts and funding sources, and ensure compliance with agency guidelines.
• Transportation: Assist with client transportation using agency vehicles.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. High school diploma/GED considered with significant experience working with at-risk youth.
• Experience: Prior work with youth involved in the juvenile justice system is a plus.
• Skills: Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Requirements: Valid Illinois driver’s license, access to an insured vehicle, and a clean driving record.
• Must be Bilingual in Spanish.

Why Join YOS?

• Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on at-risk youth and their families.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits, Full-time:

• Health, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long-Term Disability options
• 403(b) Retirement
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• Mileage Reimbursement (exclusive to position)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.