Human Services Professional/Social Worker - Youth Justice

Essential Functions/Duties:The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may also be required and assigned as best practice or as requirements change within the social work practice field.

• To provide planned and to provide unplanned services through the establishment of a professional working relationship with the consumer, geared towards strengthening the consumer's ability to independently cope with life situations.
• To complete administrative duties in a timely manner
• Determines, through interviews, assessments, home visits, investigations, etc., the range of services needed by individuals, families, explaining the services and discussing the consumer’s rights and responsibilities.
• To establish and maintain a working knowledge of the responsibilities of various community, county, state and independent resources available to agency consumers and the ability to utilize these resources as appropriate.
• To refer consumers to other agencies or services and cooperates with such agencies in serving the needs of the consumer or agency.
• Provide the direct delivery of services and programs that are in compliance with all unit, agency, and county policies.
• Participate in individual conferences and team meetings.
• Provide plans and all services developed by staff are least restrictive and yet ensure community member safety.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• An ability to understand and follow directions as well as read and write reports.
• Knowledge of interviewing, communication, and counseling.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws, rules, standards and regulations pertaining to practice area.
• Sensitivity to social problems, such as family disorganization, discrimination, disability, poverty, unemployment, etc. and the impact on the families.
• Ability to resolve crisis.
• Ability to write concise court reports.
• Ability to meet deadlines for paperwork and court work.
• Ability to assess safety.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment in confrontational and stressful situations, and follow instructions, to complete tasks and to work closely with the supervisor and others

Minimum required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with Social Work Certification, or eligible for Social Work Certification to be completed within 1 year of employment

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related Human Services program with Social Work Certification, and eligible to enroll in Social Work Training Certificate approved courses to obtain Social Work Certification within 2 years from employment

Other Requirements:

• At least two years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Competent computer skills and computer experience
• Must successfully pass caregiver and criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and unlimited access to a personal vehicle
• A minimum of $250,000/$500,000 auto liability insurance coverage verified upon hire

and at renewal by providing a copy of the declaration page of your policy from your insurance carrier

• Willingness to utilize personal vehicle as necessary to perform job duties and

responsibilities including transport of agency consumers, if necessary.

The following are additional essential functions specific to social workers in a Youth Justice role.

• Makes Dispositional recommendations to the Juvenile Court based upon the youth’s criminogenic needs/referral offense
• Monitors compliance with court orders, reports back to the court and testifies as needed
• Gathers information from the youth, parents, and any collaterals to complete the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument full assessment
• Partners with the youth to develop an individualized case plan based on the youth’s strengths, needs, and identified goals
• Assesses safety of the youth in their home, community, and other environments
• Makes necessary referrals for community services, as well as, for out of home placement settings when the needs of the youth cannot be met in a lesser restrictive environment
• Maintains a timely and thorough case record as documented in eWiSACWIS and Case Works including: case notes, permanency/case plans, court reports
• Follows guidelines in the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Juveniles utilizing the UNITY system including transfer of supervision, travel permits, home evaluations
• Provides after hours youth justice intake duties including de\-escalation of youth and their parents/caregivers, utilizing informal family supports for respite, 72\-Hour Caseworker Holds, and Temporary Physical Custody Requests
• Facilitates team meetings, educational groups and Court ordered services including within the ROOTS Program as needed for referred youth
• Facilitates and monitors the GPS program and alcohol monitoring of clients, as assigned

In evaluating candidates for this position, the County may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.