Senior Juvenile Probation Counselor

JOB CODE: 2212

PAY GRADE: 1210

SALARY RANGE: $41,114 - $69,994

LOCATION OF WORK
Juvenile Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs administrative and professional work in directing a major section of Juvenile Services in either the INTAKE or Families in Need of Services (FINS) unit. Work involves responsibility for directing the operations of the assigned section or unit. Administrative direction is exercised over a moderate sized staff, performing a wide variety of assessment or treatment plan functions. Employees of this class are routinely involved in planning future projects, or operational improvements and providing clinical assistance. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Administers the obtainment of social, developmental, psychological, family, and educational background information for clients and oversees therapeutic intervention strategies and treatment approaches based on psychosocial assessment. Reviews coordinated work activities for interdisciplinary treatment teams and the outcome of treatment interventions recommended by the team; provides the administrative component on either the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary team. Administers development and implementation of complex individualized case management plans of service and social work treatment to address identified needs, problems, and behavioral/emotional reactions of clients and families; approves and directs casework services to a select group of highly complex cases. Reviews specialized individual, group or family therapy requiring advanced diagnostic and treatment intervention skills in complex situations involving interpersonal, social, financial, legal, and/or health dimensions; administers individual and group counseling; serves as co-therapist with other Probation Counselors on specialized caseloads of clients with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Administers 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. Evaluates psychosocial assessments, social summaries, and notations in client charts; oversees correspondence with community agencies; may serve as liaison with outside support 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). Assesses and evaluates social work matters and program effectiveness through quality control activities and statistical analysis. Provides LCSW supervision to candidates for professional social work licensure when possible.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles of supervision of a staff performing interviewing, needs assessments or case management plans, particularly as they relate to juveniles in a probation or detention setting. 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 supervise and establish effective working relationships with others and deal firmly, tactfully and impartially with people contacted in the course of work. 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