JTDC - Caseworker II

Location: Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, 1100 S Hamilton, Chicago, Illinois 60612

Union: AFSCME 3696 | Grade: PS2 | Salary: $73,706

About the role

The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10–18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC offers leadership, structured care, and supervision through creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility employs over 600 staff serving an average daily population of 280+ residents.

The Caseworker II serves as the designated advocate for each resident on an assigned Center, coordinating all social services and maintaining complete, accurate records for residents housed in the JTDC.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, supervise, and report on programs, projects, and services for residents and their families.
• Monitor and document all therapeutic and recreational programs/activities for residents and their families.
• Assist daily with monitoring the personal conduct, care, and safety of residents on assigned Pods while providing leadership.
• Assist in the intake process by assigning new residents to a Center and facilitating orientation, including providing a list of Pod rules.
• Review, maintain, and update the DSI system at the beginning of each assigned shift.
• Respond to resident emergencies and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain continuous communication with the Center’s Team Leader, Assistant Team Leaders, Youth Development Specialists, and Recreation Workers.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate resident case files, including service plans, weekly progress notes, court reports, administrative intervention plans, and IDJJ discharge summaries.
• Provide individual counseling sessions to each resident on assigned Pod, typically during the day and after school hours.
• Conduct two group sessions weekly with assigned Pod, focusing on topics associated with common resident needs.
• Facilitate phone communication between residents and parents/guardians, probation officers, public defenders, and other approved personnel through telephone contact and visitation.
• Arrange and monitor special visits for residents who earn the privilege.
• Identify residents with special needs (mental, emotional, social, or physical) and coordinate service plans with residents and appropriate agencies.
• Serve as an advocate for residents regarding progress, placement options, family needs, disciplinary hearings, and court proceedings.
• Collaborate with the assigned mental health team to develop programs and strategies for challenging residents.
• Attend and participate in weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly resident staffings, Center team meetings, Administrative Intervention Meetings, Monthly School (NBJS) meetings, and Court Hearings when assigned.
• Serve as a multi-disciplinary team member with the Probation department by sharing detention-related information pertinent to residents’ cases.
• Provide direct and continual observation of residents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least two (2) years of experience in juvenile detention or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of full-time experience in counseling, screening, and/or case management of juveniles; experience in juvenile justice strongly preferred.
• Eligibility for or current licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois strongly preferred.
• United States citizenship.
• 21 years of age at the time of application submission.
• Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
• Negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.
• Pass required and nationally recognized written examination(s) for direct care positions.
• Meet additional minimum requirements for eligibility established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
• Open availability to work any shift at a 24-hour facility (includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.
• If an offer of employment is extended, immediate proof of AOIC Certification is required.

Skills

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural diversity and socioeconomic or psychological factors affecting youth behavior.
• Ability to effectively listen, understand, and communicate in English (verbally and in writing) with juveniles, family members, staff, attorneys, and court officers.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and work flexibly, creatively, and proactively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and ability to establish trust and cooperation with juveniles.
• Highly accountable, reliable, and prompt with a strong work ethic.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Skills in database creation and maintenance.
• Bilingual communication skills preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move desks, beds, and other furniture to conduct security checks.
• Ability to step up on elevated surfaces (e.g., beds or stools) to conduct room searches.
• Reaching, bending, and stooping to perform security checks, housekeeping, and other tasks.
• Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.
• Ability to physically restrain residents, including managing weights of 75–200 lbs when restraining adolescents.
• Ability to effectively communicate (hear and respond) using 10 codes through intercom/radio transmission monitoring systems.
• Lifting and carrying containers for meals, laundry bags, and other items weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to work mandated or overtime based on departmental needs.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to residents’ behavior problems, including physical acting out requiring safe physical management skills.
• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.
• Exposure to residents with varying states of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Exposure to communicable diseases of residents.

Pay

$73,706

Benefits

Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.