JDC Counselor

Job Summary

This is specialized work related to the temporary secure care of adjudicated delinquent youth. An employee in this position supervises a group of delinquent youth in work, recreational, or educational activities in a locked-in setting. Duties are varied and include individual and group processing, maintaining constructive discipline, and providing intervention and redirection. Work is performed under the supervision of a Juvenile Detention Supervisor and is reviewed for conformance to accepted departmental/institutional policies and procedures.

About Us

Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of York County residents. Each County department meets a unique need in the community and provides an opportunity for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. York County offers a competitive wage and benefit package.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work and communicate with interest of justice children.
• Actively supervises youth in work, recreational and educational activities and participates in their instruction and ensures proper conduct of youth during work, recreational, and educational assignments.
• Ability to engage in work activities and recreational programs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the individual service plan in accordance with PA Borough of Human Services regulations and agency policy and procedure.
• Ability to observe, understand and report behavioral problems of youth and administer or recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with youth, staff workers, and public in a professional manner.
• Prepare detailed documentation.
• Supervises delinquent youth.
• Stimulates interest and cooperation in individual and group activities and observes youth behavior to prevent disturbances and always maintains safety and security.
• Participates in immediate intervention, redirection, and counseling to youth.
• Participates in the physical restraint and management of hostile and aggressive youth.
• Administers or recommends disciplinary measures in situations requiring immediate action; reports serious problems for investigation and corrective action. Must report all serious problems for investigation to the appropriate authorities.
• Make recommendations to the juvenile Juvenile Detention Supervisor.
• Performs initial intake assessment including medical health screening at the direction of the facility medical staff.
• Must report any arrests, convictions, or infractions of the law to the facility assistant director.

Other reasonable duties as assigned by Supervisor, Assistant Director and/or Director.

Essential Requirements

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of an associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• Must have child abuse and criminal history clearances in accordance with 23 P.A.C.S. §§ 6301-6385 and Chapter 3490.
• Must be physically able to provide Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to handle difficult situations that may require physical intervention/control of youths who are violent and aggressive.
• Ability to manage hostile, aggressive youths by performing Safe Crisis Management techniques and protocol.
• Must understand accepted principles and practices of adolescent development and the have the ability to apply such techniques and theories in practice.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, public or private agencies personnel, and the public, and must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must pass a physical health examination prior to employment and every 2 years thereafter.
• Some knowledge of casework process and group work principles and methods especially as related to services to delinquent youth.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License is preferred.
• Must pass CPR / First Aid & AED certification.
• Must be able to effectively read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Contact Details

If you have any questions, please contact the county's Department of Human Resources at [email protected].

York County embraces diversity in our community and workforce, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring, promotions, demotions, training, and other opportunities are based on qualifications and without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.