Juvenile Group Worker

About the Position

Lane County Youth Services is looking for a dynamic person to join our Detention Unit as a Juvenile Group Worker. The Detention Unit is one of five work units that comprise Youth Services Division. Detention is a 16 bed secure juvenile correctional facility that operates 7-days-a-week, 24-hour schedule serving youth 12-17 years of age. Detention offers mandated levels of programming, including group work, education, recreation, counseling and medical services. Juvenile Group Workers are responsible for the supervision, guidance, security and general care of juveniles in the detention facility who present a variety of behavioral, cognitive, emotional and intellectual issues. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide pro-social role modeling by working directly with youth carrying out specific day-to-day functions specified per shift. 

• Supervise juvenile movements, counsel using a strength-based approach, and complete various written reports of activities during a shift based on individual juvenile behavior and performance as observed by daily contact and inspection methods. 

• Facilitate skill groups and recreational activities. 

• Maintain security of the facility, recognize abnormal behavior and take appropriate actions, handle difficult and delinquent behaviors and anticipate potential hostile behavior of juveniles in custody, use verbal skills to de-escalate volatile situations.

• Respond to crisis situations which may include physical intervention with youth who may be violently acting out; this may involve the use of restraints. 

• Follow established procedures for receiving and discharging juveniles from custody. 

About the Division

Lane County Youth Services (YS) provides assessment, probation, training, counseling, and detention services for all youth, ages 12-17 years old, referred by local law enforcement because of criminal behavior. It is the branch of Lane County government responsible for services to youth accused of law violations or judged delinquent by the juvenile court.
 

• Detention Services: 16-bed detention facility serving youth ages 12-19, including youth being held on adult criminal charges, and health services (medical, dental, and mental health) for youth.

Schedule: Varies due to shift bid per LCPOA contract. Day Shift 7:00am-3:00pm, Swing Shift 1:00pm-11:00pm, Night Shift 10pm-8:00am.
 
*This is an LCPOA represented position*

Training:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• One year of experience working with youth in a residential setting is desirable. 

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

DRIVER’S LICENSE
Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment. 

Notes:

• This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check. 
• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

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