Juvenile Justice Counselor

Youth Outreach Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Disability

403(b) Retirement

PTO

Mileage Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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 the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. You will conduct individual and group counseling, teach life skills, and build strong relationships with families and partners.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree (preferred) with relevant experience; bilingual Spanish; valid IL driver’s license and access to insured vehicle.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; HS diploma/GED with relevant experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs using appropriate tools and provide tailored services including life skills training and employment referrals.
• Lead group sessions to provide education and support.
• Maintain and strengthen family relationships as part of client progress.
• Manage a caseload of 10–23 clients, ensuring all necessary services are provided.
• Partner with probation officers, schools, and community agencies to support client outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation, prepare reports for courts and funding sources, and ensure compliance with agency guidelines.
• Assist with client transportation using agency vehicles.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma/GED with experience

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

How To Apply

Please apply through our website by submitting your resume. Candidates will receive a brief questionnaire as part of the next step in the process.

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.