Probation Counselor I

Fairfax County Government; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County Government is seeking a Probation Counselor I to oversee direct care and supervision of a predominantly male resident population in the Juvenile Detention Center. The role includes monitoring units, security desk, and court holding, while providing counseling on substance abuse, crisis intervention, mental health, and conflict resolution.

The position requires operating within essential personnel and working varied shifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred.
• Valid Driver's License required at time of application; additional certifications must be obtained within stated timelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to a majority male resident population in juvenile detention, including supervision of living units, security desk, and court holding.
• Deliver counseling to detainees on substance abuse, crisis intervention, mental health, and conflict resolution; conduct group and individual sessions.
• Perform security checks, health supervision, and documentation; coordinate residential program activities and transport detainees between facilities.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences/related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Responsible for direct care of a majority male resident population, providing security and controlling the Juvenile Detention Center. Including monitoring the residents living units, security desk and court holding during designated shift. Provides in-depth counseling to detainees on such diverse topics as substance abuse, crisis intervention, mental health and conflict resolution. Conducts group and individual sessions with detainees to help ease their adjustment anxieties. Utilizes physical crisis intervention as needed to bodily control disruptive or aggressive residents.

Supervises residents during unit activities, health, recreation and in the school program. Performs security checks, wake-up and bedtime procedures, showering and hygiene functions, and unit housekeeping. Writes behavioral observations and disciplinary reports. Provides orientation of residents to the program.

This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster). This advertisement may be used to fill multiple full-time Probation Counselor I vacancies.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Residential Services

Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs;

Ensures that residents maintain behavioral norms;

Maintains communication with a resident's probation counselor, school representative, employer, family, and significant others;

Coordinates and implements a residential program area (e.g., recreational, educational, or employment activities);

Coordinates and transports detainees between the courts, the residential detention facility or other various facilities;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver's License (Required at the time of application)
• Medication Management (Required within 6 months)
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 30 days)
• Handle With Care (Required within 30 days)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is considered Emergency Service Personnel to ensure the continuity of essential operations,and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
  • Criminal Background Investigation
  • Child Protective Services
  • Driving Record Check
  • Pre-employment Medical Evaluation
  • Tuberculosis Test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Prior experience working in a secure facility or a residential setting for juveniles.
• Must be able to work in the day (7am-3pm), evenings (3pm-11pm), overnights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather and/or emergencies.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employees must be able to physically restrain acting out residents and is required to lift to 50 pounds.
• This position requires walking, standing for long periods of time, periodic running, visual and auditory acuity and the ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and other electronic equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [e-mail]. EEO/AA/TTY.

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Requisition 26-01288