Youth Counselor Technician

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina through preparation, prevention, and protection with integrity and honor. Our agency houses many public safety divisions, including Emergency Management, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Alcohol Law Enforcement, Samarcand Training Academy, and the North Carolina National Guard. Join us along with our more than 3,000 employees and 12,000 National Guard members in providing exceptional public safety services to the citizens of North Carolina.

About the role

The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is committed to the reduction and prevention of juvenile delinquency by effectively intervening, educating, and treating youth in order to strengthen families and increase public safety. If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of North Carolina's youth, we welcome you to be part of the team.

This is a direct care position where you will be providing direct supervision and engagement at a Youth Development Center or Juvenile Detention Center with close proximity to court-ordered youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide transportation and supervision for juveniles to and from required destinations such as court hearings, detention centers, youth development centers, residential placement, medical appointments, and other required destinations.
• Monitor youth while in secure custody during court as requested and provide non-secure transportation for youth as authorized and when not in secure custody.
• Inspect vehicles regularly and maintain appropriate maintenance (preventative service and inspection schedule) of vehicle fleet.
• Maintain transportation documents for all trips.
• Monitor gas, oil, and tires daily.
• Conduct searches of vehicle for contraband prior to and after each trip.
• Physically restrain juveniles and defend self using proper methods and procedures after being properly trained by the department.

Requirements

• Must have a valid driver's license upon hire date.
• Associate degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related human services experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must pass a criminal background check, drug screening test, psychological test, sexual risk screening test, and physical (including vision and hearing).
• Must attend and successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Officer Basic Training Certification Program (three weeks, including classroom and physically demanding training with consecutive overnight stays).

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively speaking and in writing (preferred but not required).

Pay

Salary range: $37,621 - $48,953.

Step pay plan with annual salary increases based on related experience:

• Step 0: $37,621
• Step 1: $40,253
• Step 2: $42,670
• Step 3: $44,803
• Step 4: $46,594
• Step 5: $47,993
• Step 6: $48,953

Sign-on bonus of $3,000 (eligibility requires not having worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in North Carolina state government subject to the State Human Resources Act in the last 12 months).

This position qualifies for the employee Referral Bonus program.

Schedule

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Work hours vary depending on the facility and include weekends, holidays, and a variable work schedule to meet the needs of juveniles and their families.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement benefits.
• Health insurance.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.