Counselor

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Department: Juvenile Detention

Position Control Number: 031

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Opening Date: 11/14/2022 Closing Date: 11/21/2022 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

EEO/AA/F/M/Vet/Disabled

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for providing crisis intervention and assessment counseling for detained youth and their families; preparation of performance reports and assessments for juvenile court; and interaction with community schools and organizations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts interviews with detained juveniles within the required time frame to obtain personal history and information such as age, pregnancies, medical conditions, prior delinquency history, escape history, assessment of behavioral tendencies, gang memberships, caseworker information, and any prior treatment history at other facilities.
• Provides juveniles with initial and continuing Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training and counseling.
• Assesses detainees to determine the existence of suicidal ideation; informs director, staff, and appropriate medical personnel.
• Prepares reports of juvenile behavior for adjudication, dispositions, and reviews hearings in court.
• Serves as liaison between the juvenile and courts and outside agencies; maintains contact with family and professionals on behalf of detained juveniles.
• Informs appropriate court staff of pertinent information concerning the needs of juveniles, such as court date, guardian arrest or inaccessibility, medical appointment, death in the family, etc.
• Provides crisis intervention for juveniles as needed for new intakes and youth in detention.
• Counsels juveniles experiencing negative emotions such as frustration, anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, etc.; refers to juvenile to Director, courts, and outside agencies when needed.
• Develops programs to meet psychological, emotional, recreational, and educational needs; makes recommendations to Director to ensure an atmosphere of rehabilitation is maintained.
• Develops and conducts art projects designed to assist youth in expressing their feelings, enhancing their self-esteem, and developing socialization skills.
• Schedules motivational speakers to provide supplemental educational outreach programs and enhance the classroom curriculum.
• Identifies and recruits individuals and community organizations to promote well-being and rehabilitation by providing programs, services, and supplies for youth.
• Maintains contact with guardians to share information, communicate requests, and obtain health and medication information.
• Assist juveniles in completing request forms, applications for services through Job Corp, Youth Challenge, technical schools, vital statistics, etc.
• Obtains and maintains a library of appropriate reading materials for youth.
• Organizes and conducts tours of outside correctional facilities in an effort to reduce the rate of recidivism.
• Presents workshops for staff on topics that will advance employee development and improve teaching skills.
• Completes annual continuing education requirements.
• Conducts public speaking engagements and facility tours for public and private schools in order to reduce youth crime; maintains statistics of the number of presentations and tours provided.
• Assists with coordination of a graduate internship program ensuring scheduling of interns with detainees; maintains contracts with LDSCW / Field Supervisor.
• Testifies in court as needed.
  

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment with interaction with hostile or aggressive individuals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the psychological, educational, and social factors, interactions, and influence upon juvenile development.
• Considerable knowledge of the social and legal problems related to substance abuse and other juvenile-related criminal behavior.
• Considerable knowledge of the training and reporting standards and requirements mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
• Considerable knowledge of interviewing and counseling methods and techniques.
• Good knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances, and regulations governing juvenile detention.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with outside agencies, other staff members, juveniles, and their families.
• Ability to maintain detailed records involving detainees’ behavior and performance.
• Ability to prepare detailed numerical and narrative reports.
• Ability to react effectively in an emergency situation.
• Skill in conducting interviews with juveniles for information gathering and counseling purposes.
• Skill in the operation of a computer.
• Skill in the operation of a calculator.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation.
• Visual acuity is sufficient for use of a computer screen and observing juveniles.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, both individually and in groups.
• Ability to restrain juveniles when needed.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other approved field; considerable experience working with juveniles in a rehabilitative or developmental environment or a related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License.

Must be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) from the State of Arkansas or be able to obtain a license within one year of employment.

Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of criminal background check, sexual offender check, child maltreatment check, and a psychological exam.

This position is safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.