Youth Worker (Tracker) - Field Services

Jackson County Missouri; United States; On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri seeks a Youth Worker to conduct daily in-person contact with youth under home detention and electronic monitoring. The role includes supervising movements via GPS, preparing reports, and coordinating with probation staff to ensure compliance with court orders.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED with preferred experience working with troubled youth, and involves on-site and field work across various locations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adolescent behavior and development.
• Ability to manage conflict and stay calm in emergencies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Face-to-face daily contact with youth at home, school, or work.
• Monitor and interpret client movement using GPS.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and reports.

Skills

Adolescent behavior knowledge

Conflict management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Driving safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year of work with troubled youth

Tools

GPS tracking software

Show Me Courts (SMC)

Job description

Department: Field Services County or State Funded: County Exempt or Non-exempt: Non-exempt Paygrade: C-108 Salary pay range: $19.80 - $24.74 hourly

Basic Function and Responsibility

To complete assigned daily contact with youth for the administration of the home detention / electronic monitoring and/or comprehensive services relative to specific habilitation and rehabilitation needs of youth utilizing curfew, GPS, and other forms of supervision in person, remote, and through the utilization of technology.

Appointing Authority and Supervision Received

The deputy court administrator of family court is the appointing authority. The youth worker receives direct supervision by the program manager. Supervision Exercised: None.

Characteristic and Assigned Duties

(The following duties are representative of the position and do not include all duties which may be performed.) Conduct face-to-face daily contact at various locations (home, school, employment) with assigned youth. Monitor and interpret client movement and location using GPS and tracking software. Develop and maintain helping relationships by emphasizing youth accountability. Provide youth advocacy in the areas of health, education, vocation, legal and family work. Complete required documentation, including accountability sheets for assigned youth in an accurate, complete, concise, and timely manner. Prepare mileage sheets and utilize technology for verification. Review and maintain incident reports, and make recommendations. Enter data promptly into the Show Me Courts (SMC). Examine case files to become familiar with youth history and keep up to date with information as it is added to the file. Update placement information in files and in online documents. Maintain records for documentation of compliance / non-compliance with Court orders. Prepare accurate reports to the assigned juvenile program officer / deputy juvenile officer as required. Work as part of the team to provide documentation for the home detention /electronic monitoring (HDEM) accreditation process. Maintain records of recommendations and actions taken regarding youth. Notify the director or designee immediately in the event of a youth crisis, suspected illegal activity, or any other youth or program incident. Communicate and work in tandem with the program managers, juvenile probation officers, deputy juvenile officers, unit managers, and director as required. Respond to critical violations in a timely manner, which may be during or after work hours. Perform related work as required, including but not limited to, serving on teams/committees as assigned, cross-training for other jobs as assigned, and working on special projects as assigned. Coordinate with other agencies (educational, employers, treatment programs) to ensure clients are in compliance with the court’s orders. Attend court hearings as required. Provide staff relief as needed; subject to being on call and available to provide staff assistance. Maintain and complete all necessary training of new staff as directed. Assist with on-the-job training of new staff as directed. Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of adolescent behavior. Ability to manage conflict and remain calm and in control in emergency or stressful situations. Ability to supervise, motivate, counsel, and confront adolescents with behavioral problems and to set limits. Patience and ability to relate in a positive fashion toward youth, families, and other individuals from a variety of cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds and to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, logical reports and follow instructions. Ability to assist with goal-oriented casework. Ability to project a positive role model. Ability to operate a vehicle in a safe and prudent manner. Ability to work and maintain a flexible work schedule that may include working hours other than a traditional administrative work day/work week. Ability to work assigned schedule and arrive punctually. Ability to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

(Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis, provided a high school diploma or GED has been obtained.) High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of work experience, not necessarily related. Two years of work experience with troubled youth preferred.

Necessary Special Requirement

Minimum age requirement is 21 years old. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license from state of residence, and provide proof of such. Must possess and maintain state mandated auto liability insurance and a properly licensed, reliable vehicle, and provide proof of such. Must be able to successfully pass physical exam and physical abilities performance test. All candidates selected for employment will be subject to background screenings as part of the hiring process. Certain positions may also require additional checks, including but not limited to education verification, child abuse and neglect clearances, drug screenings, and physical assessments, as applicable to the responsibilities of the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The associates of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri fill a vast array of positions, but they are all part of one team, sharing a common goal - serving the citizens of Jackson County. The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri is a wonderful place to work!

• We offer excellent benefits, including health care, dental, life insurance, vacation time, sick leave, a pension plan, plus many more.