Youth Counselor Technician - Transport Driver- Cabarrus YDC

Metadata: Agency Safety Division, Department of Public Safety – Youth Counselor Technician (S), Grade NC04.

About Us

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.

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. The State of North Carolina provides work/life balance, a team-oriented culture, opportunities for advancement, and interesting work.

About the Role

We are looking for candidates who have a passion for helping court-involved youth. 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.
• Must be physically capable of applying the proper methods and procedures to physically restrain juveniles and defend self after being properly trained by the department.

Requirements

• Must have a valid driver's license upon hire date.
• Ability to communicate effectively speaking and in writing (preferred but not required).
• Physical capability to perform the duties of the role, including restraining juveniles and self-defense, will be discussed during the interview.

Qualifications

DPS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) are required to qualify for this position. All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Supplemental questions are also a required part of the application; answers must reference education or work experience listed on the application.

Degrees and transcripts must be received from appropriately accredited colleges or universities. Applicants who earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree must provide transcripts.

Initial salary is based on total months of related education and experience above the minimum requirements (Associate's degree or total of 24 months or equivalent combination of education and experience). Candidates will only receive credit for experience documented on the state application.

Pay

Salary range: $31,200–$54,397.

Juvenile Justice Officer I's (Youth Counselor Technicians) enjoy annual salary increases with a step pay plan:

• 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

Now offering a sign-on bonus of $3,000.00. To be eligible, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government subject to the State Human Resources Act.

This job classification also qualifies for the employee Referral Bonus program. If you were referred to this job posting by a current DPS employee and are hired, that employee could qualify for a referral bonus.

Schedule

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Work hours will vary depending on the facility. Candidates must be able to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis and be able to work a variable work schedule to meet the needs of juveniles and their families.

Benefits

This position includes state benefits, such as:

• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement benefits
• Health insurance

For an example of total compensation, visit the NC OSHR Total Compensation Calculator.

State employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.