Youth Screening Specialist

BAYS, Inc.; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

BAYS, Inc. in Bradenton, Florida is looking for a Youth Screening Specialist. This position involves screening and assessing youth brought in by law enforcement to determine their detention status and assess mental health or substance abuse risks. The role also includes crisis intervention and maintaining accurate records in the Juvenile Justice Information System.

The ideal candidate will need a high school diploma or GED, and preferably two years of experience working with youth. A valid Florida Driver’s license and Auto Insurance are also required.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with youth preferred.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s license and Auto Insurance.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess youth brought in by law enforcement.
• Maintain accurate records including youth files and assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention and supervision of at-risk youth.

Skills

Experience working with youth

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Youth Screening Specialist is a client serving position with responsibility for screening and assessing youth brought in for processing by law enforcement. Provides screening of youth to determine detention status, assessment of mental health or substance abuse risk factors, and to make a recommendation for services and/or court handling.

This position is between the hours of 4pm-12am

We are looking for a Youth Screening Specialist who must have:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience working with youth preferred
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s license and Auto Insurance.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews law enforcement paperwork and criminal history records.
• Acts as a resource to families, outside agencies and staff; answers telephones.
• Maintains accurate records, to include youth files, screening packets, and documentation in the Department’s Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS).
• Communicates with youth’s parents/guardians, Department of Juvenile Justice and/or Department of Children and Families staff, and law enforcement to ensure efficient and accurate processing of youth.
• Attends court hearings as needed to present findings of detention risk assessment.
• Provides crisis intervention to de‑escalate immediate conflict situations as needed.
• Provides sight and sound supervision of youth at risk for self‑harm.
• Completes installations of EM (electronic monitoring) equipment on youth based on assessment score or court order.
• Assesses suicide risk and complete mental health and substance abuse screenings.
• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Trauma‑Informed Care techniques to effectively conduct all interviews and assessment requirements during the screening process.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Essentials:

• Conducts interviews and follows detention screening criteria, for all youth taken into custody, to determine eligibility for release, respite care, supervised release, or secure detention.
• Conducts youth interviews to make appropriate State Attorney recommendations for all youth screened.
• Ensures each youth receives medical and mental health clearance prior to admission to the JAC (juvenile assessment center), or screening processing area.