JUVENILE PROBATION COUNSELOR I

Job Description

The salary for this position is: $5,959.00 - $7,926.00 monthly.

Thurston County Juvenile Court is seeking professional, proficient, and dedicated candidate for a Juvenile Probation Counselor I position within the Civil Probation unit. In this position, you will manage a high-volume caseload while providing support to youth, families, and schools. Responsibilities include identifying barriers to educational success, exploring alternative educational options, connecting youth and families with appropriate services and resources, and helping ensure students have the support they need to achieve positive educational outcomes. You will also assist youth and families in accessing services that promote family reconciliation, strength family relationships, and support long-term stability.

Please note: This position currently has an end date of June 30, 2027 but it may be extended iffuture funding is secured.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitors, directs, and counsels juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders in their completion of court-ordered obligations.
• Formulates responses to non-compliance that may include returning the juvenile to court.
• Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to determine risk to re-offend and identify risk and need. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to develop a Case Plan to decrease criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors. Completes risk assessment reassessments as necessary.
• Refers eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs. Coordinates community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol/drug treatment, psychiatric/psychological services, and other counseling and treatment programs.
• Performs field supervision of juvenile offenders, including home, school, and job contacts. Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and other relevant events and issues on each assigned juvenile.
• Provides legal preparation, court reports, and court appearance on cases assigned.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public.
• Leads, teaches and/or facilitates classes and programs for youth and/or parents.
• Transports youth in custody.
• Incumbents assigned to work in the Civil Probation unit may be assigned the following essential functions, in addition to the functions listed above:
  • Assist local school districts with filing truancy petitions, coordinate and facilitate community engagement board meetings, supervise truant youth, and refer appropriate services.
  • Assist families in filing At-Risk Youth and Child in Need of Services petitions, work with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to ensure they have access to services relevant to family reconciliation and provide on-going guidance to youth and families as they navigate these processes.
  • Prepare court orders, make appropriate recommendations to the Court, and manage courtroom process for truancy, At-Risk Youth, CHINS, and emancipation cases without the assistance of an attorney.

To view the full job classification, click here: Juvenile Probation Counselor I

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - The position is based in a courthouse environment in Tumwater, WA. Staff are assigned to work within the courthouse, which may involve a combination of offices, courtrooms, and other areas of the building.
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Travel Requirements - Staff are expected to perform home visits.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone and in-person with Thurston County staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, corrections, law enforcement, or public administration.
• Two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile probation, juvenile parole, or a social work field. Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the educational qualification on a year for year basis.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
• Be certified in Washington State Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA) Assessment Tool.
• A valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Extensive knowledge of juvenile offender programs.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and deal firmly and tactfully with clients.
• Ability to diffuse potentially volatile situations.
• Ability to interact with a variety of agencies, groups and individuals.
• Ability to make presentations to large or small groups.
• Ability to modify criminogenic factors of juveniles.
• Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques to help youth and family make behavior change.
• Ability to fairly enforce the orders of the court.
• Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
• Legal aptitude, proficiency to complete court preparation, and provide professional court appearance.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: James Madsen at (360) 709-3148.

This position is:

• Not represented by a Union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.