Job Details

Juvenile Justice Specialist I

Jackson County Community Justice is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team. Our department encompasses Adult Services, Juvenile Probation, Detention and 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.

We are currently hiring for a Juvenile Justice Specialist I position with our Juvenile Division. As part of our team, you will help drive our mission and uphold our core values of Integrity, Trust, Consistency, Respect, and Teamwork. These values guide our work and the services we provide, forming the foundation for our efforts to enhance public safety and support individuals on their journey toward positive change.

Salary Range: $22.17 - $29.64 Hourly

Benefits include: Family medical, dental & vision insurance, long and short-term disability, Group Life and AD&D Insurance. 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

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.).

• Passionate and Motivated Leadership
• Restorative and Trauma Informed Focus and Approach
• Effective Communicator
• Team Focused
• Excellent Time Management
• Compassionate Conflict Resolution

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

• 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

• Associate's degree or at least two years college course work in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, communication studies, human services or education AND six months experience working with the criminal justice system, social services system, or with children or youth; OR
• A high school diploma or equivalent AND a one year certificate in a juvenile justice or criminal justice program AND six months 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JACKSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Jackson County is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our commitment includes providing a respectful working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This commitment is made by Jackson County in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. Upon your request, Jackson County will consider all requests for reasonable accommodation during the recruitment and selection process. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.