JOB SUMMARY

This part-time position involves the administration of domestic violence intervention groups. The position was created to fulfill the role of providing court ordered group psycho-educational sessions for those convicted of domestic violence offenses, and who are under probation or parole supervision with the Lancaster County Adult Probation and Parole Services. The group facilitator focuses on interventions that will stop abusive and / or battering behavior. Through the use of group dynamics, the facilitator will provide an atmosphere that is conducive to positive change in the offender’s behavior, as well as holding offenders accountable to participate and fulfill the group assignments in a meaningful manner. Essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: 1. Facilitate treatment/intervention groups for domestic violence offenders/batterers; 2. Provide the probation office with a periodic assessment of individual client and group progress; 3. Provide domestic violence curriculum instruction; 4. Discuss with group members issues of domestic violence that correlate with their specific actions of domestic violence; 5. Use modeling and coaching as an avenue to teach nonviolent behavior and proper management of anger; 6. Respond to crisis and provide sound interventions as they may occur in the group sessions. It is expected that this employee will closely adhere to the pre-established domestic violence curriculum in the process of facilitating each group session, as well as instructions issued by Adult Probation and Parole Services. Each group session is staffed by two facilitators and each session is broken down into the following time lengths: pre- and post-group preparation time is one half hour and group time is two hours. Each group facilitator is expected to be committed to complete the group series which is 20 weeks long.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to a Supervisor in Adult Probation and Parole Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

85% Facilitate Domestic Violence Intervention groups using curriculum, instructional material, handouts, and videos as supplied and approved for group use by Lancaster County Adult Probation and Parole Services. Plan and implement group activities that support the overall curriculum. Employ specific principles and strategies for increasing client motivation. Elicit possible change strategies from the client.

15% Maintain attendance logs and complete all necessary review forms as participants reach certain milestones. Provide accurate and comprehensive case notes on each offender via a web-based computer program. Provide verbal and written feedback regarding reportable incidents, any threats, or incidents that may compromise the safety of any individual person or property.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with course work in psychology, social work, criminal justice or closely related field. Must have a minimum of one year experience in the field of probation/parole supervision or social work, or any combination of acceptable experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of domestic violence and domestic violence counseling methods and techniques. A thorough understanding of the cycle of abuse cues to further violent behavior and proper intervention strategies.

Knowledge of characteristics of individual and group behavior, particularly that of individuals involved with criminal activities and / or antisocial behavior.

Ability to work with difficult people and the capacity to do so with tolerance and understanding.

A basic knowledge of the operations, practices, and procedures of probation/parole supervision.

Ability to interact, communicate, and instruct in a group dynamic, individually and in writing.

Ability and willingness to work with domestic violence offenders, Lancaster County Probation and Parole Services, and with the Domestic Violence Unit Probation Officers.

Ability to plan, organize, and manage time with efficiency and effectiveness, including the flexibility to handle multiple tasks.

Organize and implement group curriculum in a group context.

Display ability to adapt and improvise with changing group chemistries.

Ability to effectively work with group co-facilitator in a manner that is mutually supportive and effectively demonstrates a unified team approach to group leadership.

Knowledge of computer fundamentals and word processing software.

The ability to compile and maintain computer files and written records.

The ability to understand and communicate the rules of confidentiality that are applicable in a group setting. To have knowledge of and the ability to comply with the provisions of the PA Criminal History Record Information Act.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

The candidate must pass a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to sit, sometimes for long periods of time.

Ability to escort offenders from waiting area to group room.

Ability to operate a computer or laptop.

Ability to lift and move files weighing up to 10 pounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.