Job Details

Juvenile Justice Specialist I

Jackson County Community Justice is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team. Our department encompasses Adult Services (Parole & Probation), Juvenile Probation, Detention & Residential Services, and the Jackson County Transition Center. Through these services, we work to address criminal behavior and promote positive behavior change, ensuring a safer community for all.

Salary Range: $22.78 - $30.46 Hourly

Benefits include:

• Family medical, dental, & vision insurance ($54.38/month), long-term disability, group life and AD&D insurance, and PERS Retirement.
• Generous paid time off: Vacation Accrual from 15-27 days annually, depending upon years of County service. Plus, 12 sick days, 10 paid holidays, and 8 hours of personal leave annually.

Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!

Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

• Passionate and Motivated Leadership.
• Restorative and Trauma Informed Focus and Approach.
• Effective Communicator.
• Team Focused.
• Excellent Time Management.
• Compassionate Conflict Resolution.
• In this role, you will be responsible for the guidance, safety, supervision, documentation, and overall care of youth who present with behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and intellectual challenges. Juvenile Justice Specialist's play a vital role in teaching and modeling life skills that help youth grow, make positive choices, and succeed in the community – ultimately reducing the likelihood of future detention. The ability to use effective verbal communication to de-escalate tense situations and respond to crises is essential.
• Programs operate 24/7, 365 days a year, with shifts including Days (7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.), Swing (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.), and Graveyard (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.).
• Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
• Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana.
• This position is represented by union group SEIU.

Job Duties and Requirements

I. Position Summary

Directs and supervises the activities of youth involved in the juvenile justice system and placed in the County detention or residential program, including providing evidence-based skill development groups; uses a behavior management system to assist youth in changing behaviors and learning consequential thinking, modeling pro social communication, emotional management and healthy relationships and offering support and feedback in a restorative manner while maintaining security, safety and general housekeeping standards. Performs a significant portion of the work assigned to the next higher level, but without the independence or full responsibility expected at the journey level within a procedural framework.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Admits and releases youth to the County detention or residential program according to state law, contractual obligations and department and division policy; instructs youth on rules, procedures and expectations of placement; checks for illness and injury; conducts intake assessments with law enforcement officers, caseworkers, probation officers, other agencies, etc. to determine facts and appropriate placement decisions; accounts for all personal property of youth placed in the program.
• Notifies parents and appropriate authorities of detention placements and/or court hearings.
• Supervises all youth in an unbiased manner regardless of placement reason; responds to major and minor disturbances, restores and maintains security, order and schedule of activities; takes restorative, corrective and disciplinary actions; restrains youth according to division and contractual policies and procedures; dispenses medications as prescribed; transports youth as required; and, takes residential youth on community offerings.
• Searches people, clothing, mail items, objects capable of concealing contraband, buildings and large outdoor areas.
• Performs crisis intervention functions to include counseling, suicide prevention, skill development, recognizing abnormal behavior and taking appropriate action.
• Establishes, monitors and maintains detailed case files, ensuring accurate and complete documentation of youths' behavior, attitudes and action; prepares thorough and detailed reports in a timely and professional manner and maintains records as necessary.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent AND three years of responsible employment that includes working directly with or directing the work of others, multitasking, or military service AND one year of experience working with the criminal justice system, social services system or with children or youth; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Must receive certification of successful completion of the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors' Custody and Residential Worker Training Academy within initial twelve months of employment and possess first aid and CPR certification within initial 30 days of employment.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Position requires knowledge and understanding of behavior and adjustment problems of youth; basic counseling, restorative and rehabilitation concepts of social and personal improvement of youth; health, safety and personal hygiene needs; criminal law and the criminal justice system, specifically the juvenile justice system; law enforcement procedures and protocol; and modern office practices including computer skills. Position requires ability to effectively intervene in order to protect the community and aid in rehabilitation of youth; secure and hold the confidence and cooperation of youth; provide a safe and positive environment within the program; understand the emotional and physical problems of youth; perform at a high level of professional competence; perform basic first aid and CPR; give effective presentations in court; maintain accurate records; work in potentially hostile and dangerous environments; restrain youth as necessary; make quick, intelligent decisions in crisis situations; adapt to changes in program direction, procedures and operations; maintain safety requirements; learn computer skills including typing; effectively organize duties; display initiative and creativity in carrying out duties and assignments; comply with all statutes, policies and procedures; understand and carry out oral and written directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Typically requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing (including ability to clearly distinguish and identify colors), and repetitive motions. Requires exerting up to 20 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally, of force to move objects. Requires sufficient strength and coordination for restraining and/or carrying the weight of adults and defending one's self from attack. Requires driving.

Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)

Work may be conducted in a noisy, crowded area, with exposure to uncomfortable physical conditions, including heat, cold, wetness, strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals, solvents, grease, oils, inks, electrical currents, dust and pollen, illnesses, diseases and blood borne pathogens. May include exposure to disruptive individuals. Must be willing to work various shifts that may include nights, weekends and holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer

In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments, Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. A person who requires an accommodation for any part of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office, Attn. ADA Coordinator, at (541) 774-6036 or by TTY/TDD 711 or (800) 735-2900 as far in advance as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled need.