Youth Specialist I

Jefferson County, Mo Local Government; Hillsboro (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson County Government is seeking a Youth Specialist I to work with youth in custody or court-ordered to participate in a treatment program. You will supervise youths and work with some independence under supervision.

The role involves implementing treatment plans, preparing progress reports, guiding outdoor activities, and collaborating with staff while maintaining safety and professionalism in varied environments.

Qualifications

• Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related field OR a minimum of one year of professional experience in juvenile justice or other social work with juveniles and possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a major in an unrelated field.
• Basic knowledge of juvenile courts and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of Missouri statutes and laws regarding juvenile cases.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers and software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to handle potentially hostile situations with a juvenile and family regarding a referral.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a youth specialist and provides Awareness Supervision with responsibility for the safety, personal conduct, care, education, and therapy of the youth assigned to participate in a treatment program.
• Implement group and individual treatment plans.
• Role-model appropriate behaviors for youth assigned to the program.
• Prepare reports regarding each client’s adjustment and progress while participating in the program.
• Assist in the oversight of an outdoor program, instruct youth in outdoor skills, and evaluate the application of such skills in scheduled activities.

Skills

Awareness supervision

Group/individual treatment

Report writing

Outdoor program oversight

Communication

Handling hostile situations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration

Bachelor's degree in Criminology

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Bachelor's degree in Sociology

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree or major in related field

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Perform entry level professional work in a treatment program for youth in the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services or youth who have been court ordered to participate in the treatment program. This position is expected to exercise supervision over juveniles under the court’s jurisdiction. Employees in this position are expected to work with some degree of independence. Close supervision is received from the Director of Administrative and Support Services for the Juvenile Office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a youth specialist and provides Awareness Supervision with responsibility for the safety, personal conduct, care, education, and therapy of the youth assigned to participate in a treatment program.
• Implement group and individual treatment plans.
• Role-model appropriate behaviors for youth assigned to the program.
• Prepare reports regarding each client’s adjustment and progress while participating in the program.
• Assist in the oversight of an outdoor program, instruct youth in outdoor skills, and evaluate the application of such skills in scheduled activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Position Youth Specialist I

Position Requirements

• Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related field OR
• A minimum of one year of professional experience in juvenile justice or other social work with juveniles and possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a major in an unrelated field.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic knowledge of juvenile courts and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of Missouri statutes and laws regarding juvenile cases.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers and software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to handle potentially hostile situations with a juvenile and family regarding a referral.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The work also requires mental and visual acuity, speaking, balancing, feeling; picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand; grasping; picking, holding or otherwise working with the whole hand; hearing, kneeling, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, talking, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed indoors in an office environment, in public meetings and in confined areas (i.e. vehicles). The employee will be required to occasionally work in outside conditions of extreme heat and cold temperatures during all seasons of the year, exposed to rough terrain and varying climatic and weather conditions. This position involves interaction with other employees and the general public and in potentially hostile situations. Many situations may require early morning and late evening hours.

Jefferson County and the 23rd Circuit, upon final approval of the Court, has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not intended to and does not create an employment contract between the County and its employees.

Shift

not applicable

Normal Entry Salary $18.24 per hour

EOE Statement

Jefferson County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed servicemember status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

This position is currently accepting applications.