Director of Youth Services

The Director of Youth Services supervises the juvenile probation staff and is responsible for oversight of the Day Treatment/Night Watch Program. It is further required that the Director review the reports of the caseworkers and approve for form and content before they are submitted to the Judge. In conjunction with the Court Administrator, the Director develops, oversees, and evaluates various programs and interventions related to juvenile justice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct intake on delinquent cases and status offenses. 
• Monitor statistical data and submit reports as required. 
• Facilitate/coordinate trainings for probation staff. 
• Provide direction in the delivery of service programs to meet prescribed outcomes.
• Establish relationships within the community and with community-based organizations.
• Assist the DT/NW Program Coordinator in the development and oversight of the program. 
• Collaborate with partner stakeholders to develop meaningful programs for at-risk youth.   
• Assume duties of Court Administrator in his/her absence. 
• May be required to be on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to authorize admissions of delinquent offenders to the Juvenile Detention Center.

• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to the Court Administrator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises the juvenile probation caseworkers and probation clerical staff; oversees the Day Treatment/Night Watch Program staff.    

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, a human service field, or a related field that qualifies the person to manage or supervise the delivery of juvenile services, with two years of professional experience with a juvenile court staff, child welfare agency or similar and two years of supervisory experience.
• Master's degree in social work, education, a human service field, or a related field that qualifies the person to manage or supervise the delivery of juvenile services, with one year of professional experience in juvenile court work and 3-4 years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of supervisory responsibilities and techniques. 
• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of child welfare work. 
• Knowledge of family dynamics and the effects of social conditions on family functioning. 
• Knowledge of factors concerned in delinquency, abuse and neglect of children. 
• Knowledge of principles and methods concerned with personal and social problem solving. 
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and children's services programs including related laws. 
• Knowledge of labor relations and personnel practices. 
• Knowledge of organizations, functions and treatment programs for children. 
• Manage and direct departmental operations, including budgeting, strategic planning. Knowledge of and interpret applicable federal, state and local regulations. Develop, apply and explain department and Court procedure and policies. Plan and coordinate work staff activities, prioritize, instruct, set deadlines, objectives, measure success, and make recommendations and resolve issues. Methods of research, planning, conducting and implementing major studies or projects. Design and recommend new forms, reports or procedures. Ability to understand and work in complex data processing system, analyze data and exercise sound financial judgment. Analyze administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and implement sound solutions. Prepare and present reports, speeches or training programs to groups. Provide training and guidance in handling difficult or complex problems or resolving escalated complaints or disputes. Work independently with limited direct supervision. Coordinate activities with other departments.                                        
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of Court operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the Court's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.               
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.                   
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly;  communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.     

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.                
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.                 
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.                                      
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.                                                                         
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.    
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.                                              
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.   Proficiency may be tested.         

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences. 
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.

Salary : $79,440 - $104,536