Youth Diversion Specialist

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Job summary

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch seeks a Youth Diversion Specialist to coordinate early intervention for referred youths. You will develop plans, engage families, and connect with community resources to prevent formal court involvement.

This role emphasizes cognitive behavioral approaches and data reporting to measure program progress, while collaborating with agencies and law enforcement to support youth success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in corrections, criminology, criminal justice or a related human service field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience with delinquent youth or multi-problem families.
• Familiar with Juvenile Court processes; experience with OYAS and CANS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops a 90-day intervention plan and links youth to community services to re-engage in education and avoid hearings.
• Monitor youth compliance; contact via phone, home, school or treatment centers.
• Maintain confidential case files and prepare required reports and statistics.

Skills

Counseling

Motivational Interviewing

CBT techniques

Data reporting

Community partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in corrections/criminology/justice or related human service field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Youth Diversion Specialist serves as the liaison for law enforcement/Juvenile Prosecutor referrals into the YEIS department’s diversion, intervention and Reception Center programs. This position will monitor, guide and assist referred youth, in an effort to prevent, such youth from becoming involved in the Juvenile Court System through an informal assessment and plan development that includes family support, counseling, engagement with community services and resources, and education. A Youth Diversion Specialist will build partnerships with agencies and programs with services that complement and strengthen the delivery of services to involved youth and their families. This position will track, collect, and report data to identify and measure program progress and results. The Youth Diversion Specialist is responsible for complying with federal, state, and Court policies and procedures as well as ensure the youth operates within the Diversion Program terms and conditions. A Youth Diversion Specialist is responsible for managing/supervising designated cases of juveniles as referred by law enforcement/Prosecutor; assessing and determining the appropriate programming and contact standards based on the needs of each youth using Court approved risk assessments (e.g., Ohio Youth Assessment System, Child Adolescent Needs Strengths Assessment, etc.) and ensuring all required paperwork is completed and signed by youth and parent or guardian. The Youth Diversion Specialist monitors the youth’s compliance with the diversion conference plan and counsels with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops a 90-day intervention/prevention plan for youth and family referred to the program; provide linkage with appropriate community programs, Court services, external agencies re-engage youth in education, correct negative behavior and avoid formal court hearings and/or prevent continued delinquent/unruly activity; respond to questions/inquiries related to program components.
2. Ensure youth compliance with plan, contact youth via telephone or at home, school, or treatment centers.
3. Intake and process youth who are ineligible for admission to the Juvenile Intervention Center. Process includes photographing, inventory of property, completing intake/admissions paperwork, deputizing complaints/warrants, monitoring youth pending discharge, assessing youth and providing recommendations to the Court.
4. Participate in team meetings with youth, parents, victim, and community agencies and other personnel to develop recommendations for appropriate treatment, placement, and other recommendations.
5. Maintain and update confidential case files on all youth in accordance with the departmental policies and procedures.
6. Update and maintain informal case notes; complete paperwork including activity reports, and monthly statistics; develop and monitor plan goals; complete reports and forms as needed; and complete reports as requested by the law enforcement, Court and/or external agencies for service monitoring.
7. Coordinate and collaborate with law enforcement officers, community partners and other resource services; facilitate discussions with agencies, service providers, and law enforcement for plan success or information sharing related to plan requirements and/or treatment goals; provide insight and information to build awareness of program through meetings.
8. Redirect inappropriate behavior and attitudes using motivational interviewing and other departmental practices; helps youth internalize their behaviors through the use of counseling and guidance; establishes relationship with youth, serves as role model, and supports youth’s progress.
9. Participate in external/internal meetings, diversion program education and training opportunities.
10. Prepares reports and recommendations regarding sanctions for Magistrate/Judge upon formal filing; attend court hearings as needed or requested.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in corrections, criminology, criminal justice or a related human service field OR equivalent experience.

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with delinquent youth or multi-problem families. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the

Juvenile Court System; experience with OYAS, CANS and Motivational Interviewing preferred.

3:30pm to 12:00am . Shift differential for 2nd shift. Days off are Friday/Saturday May require mandated overtime Position is in a facility that operates 24/7 365 days a year including holidays.

It is the policy of The Court to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. The Court prohibits discrimination and maintains a strict disciplinary policy, up-to and including termination for violations of the EEO policy.

Applications for this posting will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 11/18/2026.