Juvenile Probation Counselor II

JOB CODE: 2210

PAY GRADE: 1190

SALARY RANGE: $37,291 - $63,487

LOCATION OF WORK
Juvenile Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direct supervision of a Senior Juvenile Probation Counselor, performs complex professional work in providing the clinical direction of either the INTAKE or Families in Need of Services (FINS) unit; responsible for formulating and implementing therapeutic treatment plans for non-delinquent youth, and parents needing assistance. Work involves supervision of the collection, examination and evaluation of information in determining the appropriate case action and/or recommendation for assigned cases. Work also involves the use of independent judgment and is reviewed through individual client conferences and evaluation of results obtained. Counselor II provides clinical supervision to Counselor I, and may act as the unit supervisor in the absence of the Senior Juvenile Probation Counselor. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Interviews clients and client groups, offenders, and others, to obtain social, developmental, psychological, family, and educational background; selects and recommends therapeutic intervention strategies and treatment approaches. Develops coordinated work activities for interdisciplinary treatment teams by arranging and scheduling case reviews and monitors outcome of treatment interventions recommended by the team; provides the social work component on either the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary team approach. Develops complex individualized case management plans of service and social work treatment to address identified needs, problems, and behavioral/emotional conditions of clients and families; may provide limited direct casework services to a select group of highly complex cases. Provides specialized individual, group or family counseling requiring advanced diagnostic 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 evaluation aimed at identifying 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 the client's chart; 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 the principles of supervision for staff performing interviewing techniques, 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. Knowledge of various clinical treatment modalities and strategies. 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 supervise subordinate employees in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to work with at-risk adolescents to diagnose and treat maladaptive behavior occurring in adolescents in a correction setting. 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