Position Summary:
The Juvenile Community Enrichment Specialist (JCES) serves as a success coach and advocate who promotes Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Racial Equity and Inclusive to the youth and families of Franklin County. The JCES Specialist supports, engages, and guides youth in the areas of education, life skills, treatment, and rehabilitation. The JCES Specialist works collaboratively with community programs, Court services, external agencies, and service providers to provide an appropriate goals/programming plan based on the needs of each youth using Court approved risk assessments (e.g., Ohio Youth Assessment System, Covenant, BHJJ, MASYI II, AOD, etc.) and ensuring all required paperwork is completed and signed by youth and parent or guardian. The JCES Specialist monitors the youth’s progress with the goals/programming plan and provides encouragement counsels with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Conducts an assessment interview using validated assessment tools to comprehensively assess the risk, needs, and strengths of the youth and family.
- Manages all aspects of assigned caseload, regardless of community placement, including but not limited to, pre-sentence investigation report (PSI), electronic monitoring devices, community/restitution services, police-initiated diversion, alternatives to commitment, interstate transport, transportation services, employment opportunities, drug screens, education services, motions, JSO treatment plan, etc.
- Develops a specific goals/programming plan with the youth and family that is tailored to the unique needs of each youth; provides linkage with community programs, court services, and external agencies; re-engages youth in education, coaches’ behaviors to prevent continued delinquent/unruly activity; responds to questions/inquiries related to the plan and/or relevant programs.
- Reviews and verifies youth have completed agreed upon goals/activities, meets with youth, family members/guardians, school staff, and/or other services providers to discuss progress, and develop alternatives for youth facing challenges in meeting the objectives of the goals/programming plan.
- Serves as a success coach and supports youths’ progress by maintaining contact with youth and family at home, at school, and within the community. Utilizes methods, techniques and approaches to deliver the most effective services that are consistent with youth’s needs, developmental skills and mental health status in conformance with a specific goals/programming plan tailored to the unique needs of each youth.
- Redirects inappropriate behavior and attitudes using motivational interviewing and other departmental practices; helps youth internalize their behaviors through the use of counseling and guidance; establishes and maintains a positive relationship with youth and family.
- Prepares reports and enters data into JJIS/court databases to include but not limited to recommendations/options for the assigned judge and/or magistrate; devises alternatives for youth facing challenges in meeting the objectives of the goals/programming plan.
- Reviews progress of restitution/community service objectives; assists youth in meeting the expectations outlined in judicial orders and/or the goals/programming plan.
- Coordinates and attends meetings with community-based service providers and other agencies for the purpose of youth prevention/rehabilitation efforts.
- Updates, maintains and inputs into JJIS/court databases detailed case notes to document contacts with youth, family, and providers indicating youth’s progress.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, sociology, social work, criminology, political science, psychology, a closely related human service field OR equivalent experience.
An equivalent combination of training and experience can be substituted for degree requirements.
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working with at risk youth or multi-problem families preferred.
Knowledge of the juvenile justice and juvenile court systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
**It is the policy of The Court to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. The Court prohibits discrimination and maintains a strict disciplinary policy, up-to and including termination for violations of the EEO policy.**
Applications for this posting will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 11/15/2024
