At-Risk Youth Worker - JIU

POSITION SUMMARY

• Closely supervise youth of the DTNW Program or the Juvenile Intervention Unit to ensure adequate safety measures are met and order is maintained.
• Provides leadership and observes, confronts, and redirects youth behavior within a Behavioral Management setting. Refers acute problems to appropriate staff members.
• Assists the educational provider in whatever manner necessary to provide appropriate schooling and school related activities to students, as needed.
• Immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of youth.
• Assist the clinical provider in whatever manner necessary to provide appropriate emotional supports to youth.
• Participate in staff and team meetings as requested to discuss observations of youth behavior.
• Serve as an empathetic listener to youth on topics such as family, problems, court hearings, homework, and general interpersonal relationships.
• Prepare reports and documents, summarize youth progress, incidents, behavior, and other required information for use by probation officers, clinicians, the court, and others.
• Oversee, referee and supervise recreational activities.
• Intervene as necessary in crisis situations. Follow policy and procedural guidelines for physical restraint and management.
• Perform duties at either program (DTNW or JIU) as assigned.
• Maintain and enforce DTNW/JIU policies, rules, and regulations.
• May temporarily assume duties and responsibilities of Shift Leader in his/her absence.
• Consistently model professional interactions with supervisor, youth, co-workers, family members and others connected to the program.
• Provides first aid and investigates illness or injury complaints to determine the need for additional medical services.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) supplemented by college coursework in the following areas: Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field required.
• Associates degree with a major in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of responsible work experience required; experience working with at-risk or delinquent youth preferred.
• An equivalent combination of relevant professional work experience supplemented by technical training, and/or certification may substitute for education requirement.
• Ability to remain calm and appropriately manage emergencies.
• 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 County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County'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.

• 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 judgement.
• 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 as required. Proficiency may be tested.

• 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, Central Registry clearance, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, credit check, school and employment records, home environment, personal traits, integrity and professional and personal references. Candidate must successfully complete an annual background check throughout employment in the position in order maintain satisfactory qualifications.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.
• Possess a valid CPR, first aid and AED certification, or successfully complete the training within ninety (90) days of employment in the position.
• Successfully complete all required training as mandated by the department and state regulations.
• This position will require irregular hours and work schedules will include nights, weekends, holidays and unanticipated overtime.

• 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 fifty (50) pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk for significant periods of time, climb stairs.
• Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to apprehend and to exert the force necessary to implement physical restraint and management techniques to subdue and control individuals who require physical intervention.
• This position will require irregular hours and work schedules will include nights, weekends, holidays and unanticipated overtime.
• This position involves contact with people harboring potentially communicable diseases and is frequently at risk to exposure from bodily fluids. Tasks require the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and hand sanitizer.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
• Work involves an element of risk in dealing with the physical and emotional behavior of youth