Youth Detention Counselor I — Safety, Structure & Support

Linn County; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS

On-site fitness centers

12 paid holidays per year

Training & professional development

Job summary

Linn County is hiring for a role at the Juvenile Detention Center in Cedar Rapids. This position involves supervising youth, assessing needs, conducting intake interviews, and maintaining safety and order within the facility.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least one year of experience with dependent or delinquent adolescents. Weekend shifts are part of the schedule, with benefits included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in care, counseling, and management of dependent, neglected, and delinquent adolescents.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Supervises dependent, neglected, or delinquent youth residing in the Juvenile Detention Center.
• Assesses the psychological, physical, and emotional needs of the youth.
• Conducts intake activities and interviews to obtain required information.
• Checks and maintains security and safety of residents.
• Organizes, plans, and implements structured daily activities.
• Promotes positive behavior through relationship building and appropriate discipline.
• Respects safety with non-mechanical restraints when needed.
• Observes and records behavior for program planning and court recommendations.
• Keeps daily records and reports.
• Responds to emergency situations (escapes, suicides, overdoses).
• Implements behavior management systems (token economy, level system, etc.).
• May prepare and serve meals for 10-20 people.
• Performs light maintenance and laundry tasks.

Skills

Supervision

Safety awareness

Behavior management

Interviews

Record keeping

Emergency response

Relationship building

Token economy

Conflict resolution

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Linn County is hiring for a role at the Juvenile Detention Center in Cedar Rapids. This position involves supervising youth, assessing needs, conducting intake interviews, and maintaining safety and order within the facility.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least one year of experience with dependent or delinquent adolescents. Weekend shifts are part of the schedule, with benefits included.