Juvenile Probation Counselor

SPECIAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants will be required to complete and submit two (2) additional documents: Probation Counselor Screening Questionnaire and Probation Counselor Standard of Conduct Questionnaire. Please include this, along with a cover letter and resume, with your application. Applicants may also submit the completed questionnaires via email to hr@sanjuancountywa.gov upon preference. 

Responsible for the supervision, counseling and case management of youth and family caseload referrals, including the Delinquency Unit, Early Intervention Unit, BECCA cases, and Emancipation cases. Position involves 24/7 detention screening, criminal diversion cases, pre/post adjudication cases, disposition alternative cases, and transfer cases with the Delinquency Unit and pre-referral consultations with the Early Intervention Unit; Supervises cases involved in the dependency court process as assigned. Position covers a unique, rural, and geographically remote island county and is responsible for cases across San Juan County at large and will work independently with supervision on a consultative basis from the Superior Court Services Director. This position works 40 hours per week.

• Serve as an Officer of Court and is held to an extraordinary ethical standard and works collaboratively and respectfully with assigned caseloads and the public 
• Provide case management to ensure comprehensive and appropriate service delivery
• Supervise caseload by conducting regular, ongoing office and field appointments to provide support, advocacy, accountability, and ensure compliance with agreements and/or Court Orders
• Arrange and supervise Diversion Agreements
• Develop individualized case plans that address risk and increase protective factors 
• Complete timely and accurate written client assessments, case notes and court reports   
• Conduct diagnostic investigations in each assigned case to make collateral contacts, review available documentation, chemical dependency evaluations, psychological reports, psychosexual evaluations, police reports, criminal history, individual, social and familial dynamics
• Provide or arrange transportation support for appointments and other required services
• Complete monthly caseload activity reports and compile and report ongoing statistical data 
• Prepare Motions, proposed orders, recommendations, violation reports and supporting documentation for presentation to the Court in all phases of the Court Process 
• Provide written or verbal Courtroom testimony 
• Provide predisposition reports
• Provide 24-hour on-call services on a rotating schedule, for detention screening and community risk assessment, including decisions on holding or releasing alleged juvenile offenders following arrests
• Transport in-custody youth to and from: court, detention facilities, treatment facilities or Court Ordered evaluations via airplane, boat and or automobile.  May be required to detain and hold juveniles in probation counselor’s custody overnight when necessary
• Conduct biological sample collections 
• Assist with secure confinement alternatives, including electronic home monitoring 
• Maintain existing and cultivate new community restitution opportunities 
• Participate in case staffing, weekly department meetings, trainings and other agency meetings 
• Facilitate groups, workshops and other community-based education as assigned   
• Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Law and Justice, or other related field and three year’s progressive experience in one or more of the following: case planning, counseling, social work, diagnostic interviewing, law enforcement, supervising or directing youth group activities; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a valid WA State driver’s license, proof of insurance, and pass a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprinting, a national criminal history records check, and a pre-employment polygraph examination. Within two months of hire, the incumbent must reside in San Juan County and be able to travel regularly. Those living near the Anacortes Ferry Terminal may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Superior Court Services Director. Within six months of hire, the incumbent must attend and pass the Juvenile Services Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and complete all requirements for Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration prior to receiving an assigned caseload. The incumbent must earn certification in the Washington State Case Management Assessment Process within the first twelve months of employment. The incumbent must become certified to deliver a validated assessment tool in accordance with RCW 26.44.275 to screen for commercial sexual abuse of minors and report such abuse and neglect pursuant to the probation counselor's duty to report under RCW 26.44.030.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   
Knowledge of:

• Washington State Juvenile and Family Law System 
• National and state-wide juvenile justice initiatives, juvenile probation philosophies and detention practices, available community resources, programs, and pro-social activities
• Youth/child developmental stages, behavior modification techniques, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Supervision techniques, rehabilitation and counseling strategies for those with immature and or deviant behavior patterns
• The effect trauma, mental health and substance misuse have on youth, their development and behavior
• The impact racial and ethnic disparities have on people of color especially in the justice system   

Ability to:

• Observe strict confidentiality
• Work well independently and be self-motivated 
• Report regularly and on time and meet deadlines
• Portray a professional image and attitude 
• Work a flexible and non-traditional work schedule 
• Respond to emergencies with mental clarity at any hour and return to work during off hours in order to meet community safety needs
• Exercise initiative and good judgment
• Make decisions within the scope of assigned authority 
• Learn and adhere to all department and county policies and procedures 
• Work harmoniously with co-workers, volunteers within the agency and interact professionally with other governmental and community based agencies
• Work professionally with local law enforcement
• Deal with stressful situations for extended periods 
• Have clear and assertive communication skills especially during difficult or stressful situations
• Take and give direction
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of all statutes related to juveniles and families, including but not limited to, Titles 9, 9A,11,13, 26, 28A, 69, 71 and 74, RCW and understand the significance of case law as it relates to juveniles under their supervision and be familiar with the appropriate WAC’s and Court Rules that relate to assigned caseload  
• Develop professional relationships with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Assistant Attorney General and Defense Counsel on a regular and ongoing basis to provide them with data and information pertinent to each case
• Develop strong working relationships with schools, community organizations and community partners

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, interdisciplinary, verbal de-escalation, and customer service skills
• Organization, priority-setting
• Strong written and verbal communication in English language

Salary : $35 - $46