JUVENILE JUSTICE YOUTH & FAMILY SPECIALIST OPTION I (UMP)

Position Overview:

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a compassionate and motivated candidate to assist in the positive rehabilitation of the youth in our care. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a passion for positive change, the ability to apply a high degree of patience with residents and their families, and the ability to confidently develop and implement recommendations for positive behavior change and rehabilitation. The incumbent in this role will possess excellent communication skills both orally and in writing as they will have daily interaction with various youth, other staff both inside and outside the facilities, families of the residents, and members of the community. The Juvenile Justice Youth and Family Specialist plays a critical role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the youth in our care. If this sounds like an opportunity that fits the career path you’re looking for, then IDJJ is looking for you! We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply!

Essential Functions:

• Under general supervision, coordinates and manages after care caseload.
• Communicates with institutional staff regarding youth needs and progress.
• Reviews documentation to determine family and youth eligibility for Federal funding participation and interacts with other agencies to verify documentation and eligibility enrollment are established and implemented.
• Conducts home visitations to establish, document, and report status of family dynamics and the suitability of the home for re-entry and/or continued placements.
• Monitors service providers to ensure compliance with agency requirements.
• Conducts searches, monitors youth activities, and responds to requests related to detention decisions, removal or restriction orders, electronic monitoring, drug testing, and the issuance and execution of arrest warrants.
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs, training, and staff development to build skills and acquire knowledge of aftercare program processes and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in counseling or a closely related social science degree. Requires two years of professional experience working with youth in juvenile services. OR Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Requires three years of professional experience in counseling or casework.

This title is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefers extensive knowledge of counseling and guidance principles and techniques.
• Prefers working knowledge of theories of personality and deviant behavior, delinquency and criminology.
• Prefers working knowledge of the principles of cognitive behavioral treatment
• Prefers working knowledge of sociology of the family and of racial and cultural minorities urban sociology and social problems.
• Prefers working knowledge of casework techniques and the writing of professional reports.
• Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive evaluations and to develop recommendations for rehabilitation and positive behavioral change programs and for placement and supervision.
• Prefers ability to use a personal computer and office software in data tracking and the preparation of work reports and case management.
• Prefers ability to relate and integrate professional aspects of counseling and guidance with those of other disciplines.
• Prefers ability to apply a high degree of tact, patience, empathy and insight in the skillful counseling of residents, families, parents and relatives.
• Prefers ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires the ability to pass an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)/Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• All candidates must be over the age of 21
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency:

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes. Over 900 staff members from across various departments—security, programming, education, mental health, and more—collaborate with the understanding that youth are physically, emotionally, and cognitively different from adults. The department provides extensive services to young people through a developmental, treatment-focused model of care that builds youth resiliency, engages families, and promotes community safety at the five youth facilities it operates across the state. IDJJ serves and houses approximately 150 youth and is responsible for approximately 500 youth on Aftercare in various Illinois’ communities.

*Please note that the work schedule, including the assigned shift and days off, is subject to change based on operational needs and the exercise of contractual seniority, shift-preference, and bumping rights under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.*

Benefits:

The Department of Juvenile Justice offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid parental leave 
• Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days in their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
• Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote work may be an option for certain positions)