Juvenile Counselor (Juvenile Detention Officer) - First Shift

Under general supervision, performs moderately complex work related to the supervision of juveniles currently in secure detention.  The position is responsible for maintaining safety and security of all residents, staff and the facility and monitoring residents’ behaviors.  

Hours of Work

• Maintain safety and security of all residents, staff and the facility.
• Conduct personal and room searches when appropriate; and counsel residents by providing answers to questions and addressing concerns.
• Monitor daily activity of juveniles in secure detention; and monitor residents' behaviors and conversations.
• Provide group forums to discuss life skills, values, and tools to have a positive impact on their families and communities.
• Provide a proper educational environment for minors to learn and complete schoolwork; prepares residents for re-entry into school, the community or a school which is appropriate for their needs.
• Complete various reports (i.e., incident reports, time-out reports, log information, etc.); document factual information to be used by the judge in determining appropriate dispositions.
• Counsel juveniles on various situations; provide daily support and guidance according to prescribed methods.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities.  Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned. 

• Good knowledge of modern social service practices and casework philosophy, methods, and practices
• Good knowledge of the methods, practices, and procedures of investigation
• Ability to deal with difficult offenders in the community.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Possession of a significant level of ethical integrity
• Ability to effectively problem solve.
• Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, judges, attorneys, clients, and the general public.
• Work with mathematical concepts.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer.  Good knowledge of PC operations and software (Word processing and spreadsheet) are required.  

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)

• Completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours earned at a university, college, or community college preferably with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field.
• Employees have 5 years from the date of hire to complete their bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. (Lake County currently offers employees $2,000 per year for eligible education reimbursement, after completing one year of employment)
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court. The following is a link to the required form: Employment | Probation/Court Services

Other Qualifications 

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of Illinois.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must pass a physical examination

Physical Requirements

• Ability to restrain juveniles once properly trained.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk or driving a vehicle. 

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!   

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal