Juvenile Probation Counselor I

JOB CODE: 2208

PAY GRADE: 1170

SALARY RANGE: $33,825 - $57,585

LOCATION OF WORK
Juvenile Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of a Senior Juvenile Probation Counselor, with clinical support and supervision from a Juvenile Probation Counselor II, performs complex professional work in either the INTAKE or Families in Need of Services (FINS) unit by implementing a service plan for client counseling of non-delinquent youths, and parents needing assistance. Work involves the examination, evaluation and review of information obtained through office or fieldwork interviews used to determine the appropriate case action and/or recommendations for specific assigned cases. Employees of this class perform case management services including file maintenance, control sheets, and implementing specific clinical treatment plans. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
May interview clients and client groups, offenders and appropriate others to obtain extensive social, developmental, psychological, family and educational background. Conducts recommended therapeutic intervention strategies and treatment approaches for clients and their families based on an appropriate clinical assessment. Participates in work activities for interdisciplinary treatment teams and monitors outcome of treatment interventions recommended by the team. Implements complex individualized case management plans of service and social work treatment to address identified needs, problems, and behavioral/emotional condition of clients and families. Provides specialized individual, group or family counseling, and treatment intervention skills in complex situations that involve interpersonal, social, financial, legal, and/or health dimensions; conducts individual and group counseling conjointly, or under close supervision; may serve as co-counselor with other Probation Counselors on a specialized caseload of clients with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides psychosocial services aimed at addressing the special problems and needs of specific high risk populations, such as juvenile offenders, abused children, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, neurological trauma or disease, acute and chronic psychiatric diagnosis, abusive parents and offenders. Writes psychosocial assessments, social summaries, and notations in client charts; prepares correspondence with community agencies and serves as liaison with outside agencies such as courts, schools, foster care and legal authorities. Conducts initial evaluations and screening of juvenile misdemeanor and felony offenders; conducts substance abuse, risk/needs and sexual adjustment assessments by the use of diagnostic tools; conducts treatment, educational and clinical programs for prevention and rehabilitation of offenders and/or families; and investigates complaints alleging a family is in need of services (FINS).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, and assessment or case management plans, particularly as they relate to juveniles in probation or detention settings. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Knowledge of the procedures, practices and methods used and of the agencies and institutions involved in the service and execution of juvenile and criminal justice processes. Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances related to juvenile probation, particularly the Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Skill in the use of modern office equipment, such as: the telephone, copier, typewriter, computer terminal and related peripherals. Ability to recognize, analyze and understand the psychological and sociological problems of the socially maladapted person, substance abuser, or domestic violence offender and related problems and characteristics of an individual with substance abuse problems or abusive behavior problems. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally to groups and to individuals, and in the writing of routine reports, records and letters. Ability to deal firmly, tactfully, and impartially with people contracted in the course of the work. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS