Juvenile Services Specialist

SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Division Supervisor or Designee, interviews parties to gather information for program eligibility; conducts intake screening and assessments; provides case management; attends court hearings and case conferences. Serves as program liaison between the program, jurists, team members, outside agencies, participants and families. Compiles data, maintains and records data, prepares statistical reports. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Interviews potential program participants and families to gather information to establish program eligibility.
• Conducts intake and screening. Reviews the program documents with the participant and their parent(s), and administers entrance assessments to determine the needs and services for participants.
• Facilitates drug screening of participants.
• Schedules appointments for clinic assessments.
• Prepares documents, reports, and recommendations based on interviews of parties and other sources to assist the Court in making appropriate legal determinations.
• Communicates with outside agencies, schools, providers, court personnel, etc. to obtain information relevant to the participants and the Court.
• Informs participants and parents of their rights and responsibilities.
• Assigns new cases to probation officer.
• Attends case conference hearings and Court hearings.
• Provides in-court assistance to jurists, referees, and team members to resolve issues, including preparing/providing conference hearing documents, drug screens, assessments and case updates.
• Develops relationships with ancillary support service providers to help maximize the success of the participant and their families.
• Ensures all drug screens results are entered in the Drug Court case management system.
• Records outcomes of conference hearings in Drug Court case management system.
• Communicates with supervisor as needed to coordinate work activities, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Assists with special projects as needed.
• Compiles, analyzes, maintains and reports statistical and other case data updates to management and systems following established procedures.
• Uses limited dispute resolution techniques to assist participants and resolve conflicts related to court-ordered matters.
• Operates computers, copy machines and other office equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science or related field from an accredited college or University.
• Two (2) years of experience in the juvenile justice and/or family court systems.
• In compliance with Administrative Order No. 1985-5 (as amended), all applicants, contractors, and employees within the Family Juvenile Division and Family Assessment Services must provide and maintain compliant credentials. All credentials must be submitted directly to Human Resources.
• Experience using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.
• If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Broad knowledge of the community and its resources.
• Ability to learn and apply court rules, practices and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a professional rapport in a variety of interview situations.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems and disputes.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
• Ability to inquire and respond to questions to explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, so that others can understand.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.
• Ability to meet and interact with the public and deal courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Some assignments must be performed in a field environment and/or detention facility.
• Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

NOTES:
12/15/17 Updated for content
11/30/21 Updated for content
01/20/26 Updated for content