POSITION: DATE WRITTEN: DEPARTMENT:

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1 POSITION: Youth Development Specialist, Full-Time DATE WRITTEN: BB DEPARTMENT: Court Administration, Juvenile Detention REVIEWED BY: DH REPORTS TO Assistant Superintendent Lead Assistant Superintendent GRADE: 10 STATUS: Non-Exempt/Judicial Unit DATE APPROVED: 6/18/2015 POSITION OBJECTIVE: This position is responsible for the supervision, safety, care, and counseling of the residents at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center in order to provide a secure, structured environment conducive to the physical safety and well-being of the residents. DIMENSIONS: The Juvenile Detention Center operates a 63 bed 24/7 facility with four shifts operating 365 days a year. Both male and female juveniles ranging from 10 to 21 years of age may be detained in the center. The Juvenile Detention Center operates under the authority of the Chief Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. The Juvenile Detention provides temporary detention services stipulated in the Juvenile Court Act of The Juvenile Detention Center is governed by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) and the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC). CORE COMPETENCIES: Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of behavior control. Behavior modification principles and techniques. Applicable Federal, State, County, Department, regulations, policies and procedures. Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment. Knowledge of the juvenile justice system as well as an understanding of the social services. Knowledge of cognitive behavior theory and evidence based principles. Self-knowledge, awareness of the impact of self on others. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Ability to: Supervise juveniles in an institutional setting. Apply approved methods of restraint as appropriate. Conduct small group programming. Assemble and analyze information to prepare written reports and records in a clear, concise manner. Work independently and as a team member. Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing. Express oneself clearly and authoritatively and to listen attentively to others. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications. Maintain high personal standards of ethics and integrity. Maintain significant flexibility in daily operations and decision making. 1

2 JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Custodial Care. All Shifts: This position is responsible for wide range of duties and regulated by several agencies and organizations. Performs highly complex and varied tasks requiring independent knowledge, its application to a variety of situations, as well as exercise independent judgment. Assisting in the proper identification and treatment of problems relating to the physical and emotional health and well being of detained youth through the use of knowledge and skills in basic health-related areas (e.g., medical and hygiene, adolescent sexuality, substance abuse, physical or emotional abuse, symptoms of suicidal behavior and emotional distress). First, Second and Swing Shifts: Provides direct supervision of residents referred by local police jurisdictions and those juveniles ordered held by the court: acts as an authority figure and controlling influence; implements structured behavior management program; provides positive role model while setting appropriate limits on resident behavior; facilitates conflict resolution, provides child development, both physical and mental, by care and counseling; provides residents with a blend of education, work, and recreation. Behavioral Management. First, Second and Swing Shifts: Using behavioral and developmental theories to establish clear expectations for resident behavior and employing immediate positive or negative consequences as a result of direct involvement with residents. Incumbent is responsible for counseling residents in group session as well as individually that focus on their core beliefs, life experiences, and feelings. Develops appropriate behavioral goals using behavior modification techniques. Facilitates small groups designed to promote pro social skills (social skills, anger management, restorative justice) as outlined in our behavior manual. Acknowledges positive behavior by awarding coupons, praise, issuing rewards, and issues consequences for resident's inappropriate behavior. Third Shift: Updating, logging and tracking of all behavioral management program materials. Security. All shifts: Implementing the policies and procedures related to resident supervision and institutional security measures to ensure the physical presence of each resident in the facility. Identify potential security issues and notifies appropriate personal. Identifies unusual and dangerous conditions or circumstances when they develop and responds by notifying the proper personnel, supervisors, and outside agencies if necessary and assists with all necessary measures to return JDC operations to normal. Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines. Safety. All shifts: Employing knowledge and skills in relation to emergency procedures (e.g., first aid, CPR, fire safety, communicable disease) to ensure the well being of residents. Ability to express oneself clearly and authoritatively and to listen attentively to others. Utilizes electronic equipment and radios for facility communications and documenting resident locations, and participates in mandatory video surveillance. Due to the 24 hour operations of the facility, continual supervision of the residents is necessary. Provide compliance visual checks and/or suicide watch as mandated according to NCCHC and IDJJ standards. Provide for the basic medical and mental custody needs. Assists with fire drill procedures, man down, and crisis drills. 2

3 Understanding, supporting, and using the philosophy, goals, values, policies, and procedures that represent the daily operations of the facility. Procedures are provided to the YDS's; however, in working with a transient population, all potential situations cannot be anticipated so the implementation of the procedures is often left to the discretion of the YDS based upon the number of variables involved in the specific incident. Provides appropriate interpretation and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines; provide resolution of problem areas. The most difficult function of this position is in the maintenance of a safe, secure environment for the residents and staff. Errors could result in bodily harm to a residents, staff member, or visitor. Crisis Intervention. All shifts: Using skill and composure to prevent or minimize physical and emotional harm to residents and other staff when handling a wide variety of crisis situations (e.g., physical violence, escapes, riots, suicidal behaviors). Incumbent must maintain professional composure and effectiveness at all times. Deal effectively with emergency situations. First, Second and Swing Shifts: Create an environment in which a youth s personal, social, or emotional problems can be openly discussed, explored, and possibly resolved through effective use of interpersonal relationship skills, communication and consultation with clinical staff, and leadership in group discussions or activities. Medical and Mental Health. All Shifts: Assist our medical and mental health professionals to ensure medical and mental health needs are met. Make appropriate medical or mental health referrals for any resident which displays as emotionally stressed, or have medical and mental health conditions. Provides emergency medical care and crisis counseling to juveniles; restrains physically abusive and dangerous juveniles as required. Provides for residents needs, including delivery of comfort medications. Program Maintenance. First, Second and Swing Shifts: Implementing, teaching, creating, and supplementing the facility s daily program and activities (e.g., physical education, recreation, arts and crafts). Transportation. All Shifts: Provide transportation that may be required to court hearings, medical or psychological appointments, emergency medical and/or psychological treatment, or to other services outside the Center while maintaining security. Provides 24/7 security as needed outside of facility as needed. May perform meal transport, as needed. Team Work and Professionalism. All Shifts: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted on the job, including those of different social, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Coordinates shift tasks with other employees; provides support, guidance and back-up to co-workers as necessary. Incumbent is in professional contact with State s Attorney s Office, other law enforcement agencies and personnel, other County departments, local service agencies, institutions, attorneys, parents/legal guardians of the residents and the general public. Openness to new information as well as tolerance for stress and ambiguity in the work situation. Sensitivity to the needs and weaknesses of others, and the ability to sympathize with the viewpoints of others. Control Room Duties. All Shifts: During control room duties the incumbent will be responsible for continuous monitoring of activities throughout the JDC complex through electronic surveillance and 3

4 communication equipment. Performs various office duties as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, compiling data for reports, copying and filing documents, entering data/retrieving data from computer, answering the telephone, etc. Completes logs and reports documenting activities and unusual occurrences while continuing to perform other assigned duties. Prepares progress reports, and shift reports and other documents related to daily activities. Provides professional and appropriate contacts with law enforcement agencies, parents/guardians, attorneys, juvenile agencies, and the general public. Electronically controls access into the secured areas, and identifying/screening authorized personnel and equipment prior of exit or entrance. Intake and Release. All shifts: Duties of admissions, discharges, and referral of juveniles to appropriate agencies; makes appropriate intake decisions based on secure detention criteria and the circumstances involved in the referral of the juvenile to the Center. Intakes include the use of webbased software systems and performing data entry. Perform fingerprinting and mug shots, as needed. Training. All Shifts: Incumbent must be a highly-trained youth behavior professional, with knowledge of psychology, sociology, therapeutic techniques and the law. As a result, a bachelor's degree in some form of behavioral and/or criminal science is almost always required. Required to participate in 40 hours off site basic detention training conducted by AOIC within the first year of employment. Attends meetings and training seminars as assigned to enhance job knowledge and skills to meet training standards. Building Maintenance. All Shifts: Ensures building is appropriately maintained by supervising resident in general cleaning duties. Participates in the maintenance of the building and grounds; performs laundry and food preparation duties as necessary. Inspects juveniles rooms to ensure compliance with all facility policies and procedures concerning possessions, cleanliness, etc.; searches juveniles for contraband. Coordinates and/or participates in cleaning projects as assigned. Assists in the upkeep of the Center by performing miscellaneous duties such as supervising chores, cooking, cleaning, maintenance, and reconditioning of the facility. Third Shift: Ensures building is maintained in accordance with cleaning schedules. Unit and intake supplies are stocked on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. WORKING CONDITIONS: Various office, field and County facility settings; involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to hostile situations. Tasks require occasional exposure to blood borne pathogens, and irregular working hours. Incumbent may encounter hostile juveniles and may be subjected to verbal harassment and physical assault. Incumbent is required on occasion to transport juveniles who require services outside of the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor s degree (4 year degree) from an accredited university in the area of social work, education, psychology, corrections, or law enforcement (or related field). Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Illinois driver s license. Incumbent's name must appear on the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts Non-Supervisory List (AOIC). Forms are available at 4

5 Pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and background check including but not limited to LEADS and CANTS. A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires the ability to exert significant physical effort, which may include subduing resisting individuals, running, crouching or crawling; requires significant dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs and body; requires the ability to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements such as data entry. Requires the ability to maintain effective audio-visual dissemination required for making observations and communicating with others. Incumbent is required to sit, stand, and walk for various amounts of time to complete duties. Hearing and speaking ability sufficient to carry on conversations with other individuals in person, over the telephone, and over the intercom. Visual ability sufficient to read and complete written correspondence and read information on a computer screen. Exerts up to 50 pounds or more of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as necessary to perform job functions. Also, occasional restraint of resident may call for exerting more than 50 pounds of force. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 5