Juvenile Counselor Trainee

Definition of Class

• This is specialized counseling work with the rehabilitation and social development of delinquent youth. An employee in this class supervises delinquent youth in work, recreational or educational activities to effect changes in their social behavior. Duties include counseling, maintaining constructive discipline and security and giving instruction. A higher-level counselor supervises this position.

Nature of Work

• This position is a professional counseling position at the Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center within the Erie County Office of Children and Youth and reports directly to the Program Director. Juvenile Counselors accept work assignments in the Detention Program or the Dependent Shelter Program. The primary responsibility of the Juvenile Counselor is to provide for the care, supervision and security of the adolescents and children residing at the Center.
• This position stimulates interest in individual/group activities while observing to prevent disturbances and maintain security, supervises youth in work, recreational and emotional activities, participates in recreational activities and work assignments as communication means, prepares periodic conduct and security of delinquent youth on assignments and gives basic instruction on work, housekeeping and recreational activities.
• Performs related work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ability to obtain certification in Safe Crisis Management (SCM), a mandated training aimed at equipping staff with knowledge and skills that will allow them to prevent, de-escalate and safely intervene (physically and non-physically) with individuals who demonstrate extremely disruptive behaviors that may become or are harmful to themselves or others. Conduct interviews to gather information essential to the assessment/intervention for each child. Includes contacts with child, family members, and collateral contacts such as children and youth caseworkers, juvenile probation officers, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and other clinicians pertinent to case management.
• Knowledge of Department of Public Welfare 3800 regulations. Ensure programmatic standards meet or exceed expectations.
• Provide counseling to residents/families to aid achieving a satisfactory adjustment to program situations. Monitor family visitation.
• Assures each child receives a physical examination. Consult with medical staff and review results of exam. Arrange follow-up as needed.
• Maintain medication record on each child. Dispense medication in accordance with physician instructions. Provide documented behavior updates to mental health professionals.
• Monitor special needs of residents. Assess physical stamina, strength, and coordination of the child. Monitor for problems common/unique to disturbed adolescents and children, such as insomnia, enuresis, encopresis, anorexia, bulimia, etc. Arrange for emergency medical care and when necessary direct provision of CPR and first aid as indicated.
• Consult with schoolteachers on a daily basis and assist with behavior management in classroom.
• Plan, conduct and participate in daily physical fitness programs for residents.
• Conduct individual/group counseling. Prepare group discussion topics/procedures. Coordinate with community counseling services.
• Assess/interpret child's mental health status with the use of computerized testing.
• Maintain positive community involvement/relationships. Schedule field trips for residents not confined to secure setting. Observe and assess child's behavior in various settings.
• Lead Counselor for specific children as assigned at Intake. Conduct a minimum of one individual counseling session per week with assigned children. Serves as liaison for residents who act out.
• Apply appropriate discipline when necessary. Review expectations with residents and clarify consequences of inappropriate behavior. Encourages development of pro-social behavior through use of techniques/established behavior modification programs.
• Prepare residents for Court hearings, psychological testing, and appointments. Clarifies expectations and assure child is available for release.
• Supervises all resident activities, monitor youth separated from group, assure safety/security as well as emotional well-being. Monitor all residents during night hours.
• Organizes/assigns/supervises completion of resident chores.
• Prepare daily observation reports. Record child's adjustment to each aspect of program. Record child's interactions with peers, staff, visitors; and any specific emotional/social problems noted during the shift.
• Prepare summary for the Juvenile Court of child's behavior/adjustment while in custody.
• Prepare child folders and complete necessary forms upon admittance/release.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and exercise professional discretion in sharing information regarding clients.
• Monitors all resident mail.
• Interpret program, policies/procedures for individuals, educational groups, and agencies.
• Participate in diagnosis/treatment planning meetings.
• Attend relevant training. Read available books, journals/literature regarding human development, emotional disorders and treatment.
• Work closely with social agencies, courts and community resources.
• Attend staff and management meetings when appropriate.
• Supervise/instruct interns with job training and prepare/present student evaluation to advisor.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the physical and emotional needs and problems of youth with emphasis on the delinquent.
• Knowledge of simple health, safety and first-aid practices.
• Knowledge of group life and casework and group work principles as related to delinquent children.
• Ability to work and communicate with delinquent youth.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and prepare clear and concise reports.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year Experience Working with Adolescents and a Bachelor's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences or an Associate's Degree or 60 College Credits
• Minimum of 3 years of Experience in Working with Adolescents and 60 credits from an Accredited College
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Supervision Received

• Work is reviewed through the reading and evaluation of case records and through regular conferences. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures but the Juvenile Counselor is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment in discharging these duties, seeking advice only with the more unusual cases.

Conditions Of Employment

• All new hires in the Department of Human Services are required to
• provide and are subject to Pennsylvania Criminal and Child Abuse
• Clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance. Applicants must
• possess agility and basic skills required to successfully pass SCM
• certification requirements. Applicants are required to submit an
• Authorization for Release of Information for Purposes of Driving History
• Check.