Group Worker 2 - Detention - Juvenile

Marion County Juvenile Detention is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as we plan for the opening of an additional 22-bed unit in detention.  This is an excellent opportunity for both entry-level and experienced candidates to make a meaningful impact by supporting juveniles as they navigate the court process in a secure detention setting.  The ideal candidate is compassionate, detail oriented, service-driven, and thrives in a team environment.
 
 This position is represented by the Marion County Juvenile Employees Association. In addition to the salary range listed above, Group Worker 2’s with the Juvenile Services Department receive a generous benefit package including:

As a member of our team, Group Worker 2’s typically work in a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) days a week detention facility which may require working day, swing and night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime. These are full-time, non-exempt positions.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Juvenile detention utilizes the Group Worker s classification; they provide direct supervision, accountability, skill development, safety, support, and care of emotionally and behaviorally challenging juveniles compassionately and respectfully. Detention is part of the continuum of Juvenile Department services. Interventions are designed to increase public safety through risk reduction and skill development. The Juvenile Department abides by federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Group Worker 2 positions work under the direct supervision of the detention manager, or assistant supervisor, who assigns work, establishes goals, and reviews work for conformance to established standards and statutes. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification. 

Supervision

• Provides active supervision of juveniles in a manner that ensures their safety and security. 
• Provides services and programs to juveniles in compliance with department vision, goals and objectives.            
• Provides orientation services for incoming juveniles to support and ensure their ability to understand expectations. 
• Provides guidance of daily routines and activities including hygiene, food service and housekeeping.   
• Engages youth in programming and facilitates evidence-based groups, organized activities and recreation, and identifies opportunities to increase pro-social skills and abilities. 
• Provides appropriate cognitive and behavioral interventions with juveniles who may be acting out, distraught, angry, confused, depressed, mentally ill, and/or uncooperative, in order to de-escalate behavior, gain their confidence and encourage cooperation.
• Using a trauma-informed approach, re-directs behavior of juveniles using role modeling, facilitating problem solving, reminders of expectations, cognitive interventions, and coaching. Communicates and provides appropriate interventions for potential developmental disabilities, mental health crises and medical and/or emotional needs.
• Transports and maintains supervision of juveniles by driving a motor vehicle in secure transports.
• Provides supervision of visitors including but not limited to juvenile family members and approved visitors, service providers, attorneys and volunteers/interns.

Safety and Security

• Maintains the safety and security of the facility including keys, tools, and equipment control; conducts inspections, security checks and searches; reports any improperly functioning equipment and needed repairs.
• Conducts and documents head count/bed checks in accordance with facility standards.     
• Performs searches of juvenile and/or property; secures medications and contraband or other non-allowed program items; monitors use of cleaning supplies and keeps supplies secured when not in use. 
• When non-physical interventions or de-escalation have been unsuccessful, manages specialized behavior problems with out-of-control juveniles by utilizing physical intervention and restraint techniques to prevent harm to the juvenile or others in accordance with policy, training, and program certification. 
• Responds when First Aid is needed and to medical emergencies.
• Complies with Universal Precautions.  

Administrative

• Performs responsibilities for admission and release from programs. Completes initial assessment and screenings for medical/mental health needs; completes data entry related paperwork.         
• Prepares paperwork and documentation required by policy and procedure. Documents individual juvenile’s behavior and performance as observed by daily contact and supervision methods including evaluating and rating behaviors; writing behavior/incident reports; documenting individual skills training and skill reinforcement; scheduling youth activities through the computerized systems; maintaining rosters; completing shift documentation and/or records; exhibiting clear communication both verbally and in writing; maintaining confidentiality. 
• Responds to e-mails, voicemails and memos in a timely manner; establishes and maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, customers and other agencies by maintaining regular and punctual work attendance.      
• Complies with training requirements. 
• Possesses a Food Handler’s card or will obtain one within the first 30 days of hire. Document meal and snack counts. 
• Has and maintains a valid Oregon Class C driver’s license with approval to drive.
• Dispenses medications as prescribed and directed.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. Two years of college with significant coursework in juvenile justice. sociology, psychology. or a related field; AND
2. Two years of experience dealing with juveniles, preferably in a detention or group-home setting, or in working with juvenile offenders; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518
• Possess, or obtain within 90 days of hire, current CPR and Basic First Aid certification. Maintain ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
• Obtain initial blood borne pathogens training within 30 days of hire.
• For detention positions, possess or obtain within 180 days of hire, LEDS certification.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Works in a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation, with rotating shift schedules and workstations. This includes working day, swing, and grave shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.

 PREFERENCES

• Bachelor's degree in human services, juvenile justice, psychology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or related field. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of adolescent development, juvenile behavior, and intervention techniques.

Skill and ability to learn juvenile laws in the State of Oregon; learn and implement evidence-based programs and principles to reduce community risk factors and increase protective factors; implement evidence-based practices and principles with juveniles in a group setting and on an individual basis; facilitate skill building groups and teach and support individual skill development; follow directives of policies and procedures; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; maintain required certifications and trainings; work with juveniles from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with a variety of dynamics and issues; develop effective working relationships with coworkers, youth, family and the public; use sound, practical and fair judgment in assessment and decision making; understand basic computer skills; work a flexible schedule; and drive a motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Drives a motor vehicle in the performance of duties; uses depth perception; reads a 12-pt. font; distinguishes colors; speaks with a clear and audible voice; hears a whispered speech level; rapid-mental/hand/eye coordination;  sits; stands; bends forward; moves about the work area; climbs 1 floor of stairs; reaches overhead; uses a keyboard and computer; lifts, pushes, pulls, moves carts and carries items weighing up to 10 lbs.; may rarely lift up to 75 lbs., push/pull up to 125 lbs., and carry boxes of paper weighing up to 50 lbs. for up to 25 feet; may be exposed to noise, wet areas, ladder/scaffolding, chemicals, and high exposure risk to OSHA Blood/Body Fluid; restrain out of control youth.

Salary : $27 - $36