Department: Juvenile Justice

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Juvenile Justice Counselor provides direct service to clients, accomplished through individual, group, and family counseling, outreach in the community, and collaboration with referral sources, area police departments, probation/aftercare services, and other community agencies. Youth involved in the program complete a mandatory program as appointed by Juvenile Court.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

Assessment: Conducts initial assessments utilizing the YASI assessment tool at admission and discharge, when applicable.

Service Plans:
Assists clients in the development of personal service plans.

Samples: Collect urine samples as needed for analysis.

Groups: Facilitates group sessions by providing relevant information and educational materials to clients in a group setting.

Recreational Activities: Assists in the development and execution of recreational activities a minimum of one day per week.

Transportation:
Transports youth to and from the Day Reporting Center and Evening Reporting Center utilizing Youth Outreach Services vehicles.

Court: Attends court with youth as necessary.

Supervision:
Participates in team and individual supervision meetings as necessary.

External relationships:
Maintains weekly contact with probation/aftercare officers. Maintains contact or establishes relationships with sources beneficial to the client and/or agency.

Interagency relationships: Collaborates with co-workers, both in the same location, as well as in other offices, and participates in internal agency programs to provide the most comprehensive client services possible.

Quality Improvement:
Participates in ongoing quality improvement efforts of the agency.

Diversity/Cultural Awareness:
Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and constituencies.

HIPAA:
Full access to client information. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Other Functions:
The Agency may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited university preferred; High school diploma or GED required and at least 2 years experience working with at-risk juveniles.
  • Experience working with at-risk juveniles preferred.
  • Experience working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system is preferred.
  • Experience working with youth and families preferred.

Benefits, Full-time:

  • Health, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Short/Long-Term Disability options
  • 403(b) Retirement
  • Paid Time off (PTO)
  • Mileage Reimbursement (exclusive to position)
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

COVID-19 Policy: In compliance with Illinois Executive Order, Youth Outreach Services is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against or an approved exemption. Approved exemptions will require weekly testing for COVID-19.