State of Washington Classified Job Specification
JUVENILE REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 1
Definition
Under close supervision, assists higher level counseling staff in the implementation of case management and treatment plans for youth in a juvenile rehabilitation institution, facility or for youths on parole; assesses behavior and monitors youth for compliance with treatment, reentry and parole plans and requirements. Serves as a back-up for higher level counselors in their assigned caseloads. This class does not typically carry a caseload; however, may be assigned case management duties of one to two youth
Typical Work
Meets with supervisors and counselors to discuss treatment plans and exchange information; assists counselors in developing and implementing treatment plans for youth; assists in facilitating therapy groups; attends meetings with counselor and youth;
Under the direction of a case manager, conducts offense-specific classes using general education resources and group discussions;
Coordinates counseling for with providers;
Attends programming meetings to determine treatment changes; meets with supervisors and counselors to review caseload;
Monitors youth location; screens and monitors family visits; monitors behavior of youths;
Writes incident reports; logs all activities such as visitors, departure of youths and staff; maintains Record of Official Action; performs basic data entry and retrieval functions;
Supports interventions and de-escalations in crisis situations such as suicide attempts and monitors youth on suicide watch;
Conducts random urinalysis testing;
Coordinates and works with courts and youth to pay outstanding fines; testifies in court as necessary;
Schedules polygraph meetings;
Obtains medical, dental, psychiatric and psychological services for youths; distributes medication to youth and monitors to ensure medications are taken properly;
Assists and supports the individualized Community Transition Services reentry plans for Community Transition Services accepted youth;
Connects Community Transition Services individuals to community based quality reentry services and programs;
Assists in pre-release planning for youth; makes contact on behalf of youth with community stakeholders; accompanies youth into community for job interviews;
Monitors youths’ personal savings accounts; tracks and receives incoming and outgoing money and records in ledger;
Maintains contact with schools and employers of youth; monitors youth attendance;
Oversees youth in and participates in housekeeping tasks, laundry, food distribution and clean-up; oversees and monitors youth during meals;
Transports and/or escorts youth to and from activities and court, medical, school and job appointments.
Tracks youth on parole; maintains face-to-face and indirect contact with paroled youth; meets with youth to plan activities and time schedules; monitors youth’s compliance with plan by phone or visit; assists and encourages parolee to follow and get involved in constructive activity plans;
Reports violations and/or non-compliance of youth to supervisor or assigned counselor; maintains log of all contacts with parolee; visits parolee’s home, workplace or school; meets monthly with providers to exchange and obtain information.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: causes and treatment of juvenile legal system involved young people; human growth and adolescent development; state juvenile justice system; operating principles and treatment philosophy of a juvenile rehabilitation system; interagency procedures; state laws, regulations and administrative codes pertaining to juvenile legal system involved young people determinate sentencing; crisis intervention and processes and techniques of de-escalation of situations; work group supervision and facilitation of youths; management and supervisory theory and practices; case management; community resources; verbal and written communication; report writing; negotiation and mediation techniques; community networking; contract negotiation and writing.
Ability to: apply and implement juvenile rehabilitation system laws, policies, procedures and philosophy; interview and counsel youths; motivate youths and maintain organization; recognize and identify problems and needs of youths; assess crisis and problematic situations; remain calm, take control and de-escalate dangerous situations; gain confidence and trust of youths; use authority constructively; provide individual, group, and family counseling; direct and supervise groups; direct and supervise staff; manage and implement projects and programs; negotiate and write contracts; communicate clearly and effective verbally and in writing; network with groups, agencies and community; represent agency in a professional and positive manner.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation certified institution involving major study in psychology, sociology, social work, social sciences, or an allied field.
OR
Two years of experience in casework, counseling, probation and parole, social services, planning, directing and/or facilitating youth group activities or experience in a related field.
A valid driver’s license is required for these positions.
Class Specification History
New class code: (formerly 36180) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.
Base salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019; from range 41 to range 44.
Base range salary adjustment adopted June 29, 2022, effective July 1, 2022.
Revises job class title, definition, typical work, and desirable qualifications, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.