Youth Specialist

Classification Title: Youth Specialist

About the role

Provides care, safety and security of residents at the Juvenile Justice Center. Assists in the implementation of programs and work assignments. Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the implementation of programs designated by the Director.
• Ensures that assigned residents are appropriately dressed, fed and that all work assignments are completed in a timely manner.
• Controls or physically manages residents engaged in violent or disruptive behavior that weigh in excess of one hundred (100) pounds.
• Oversees, referees, demonstrates and supervises various activities, including recreational activities and work assignments.
• Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.
• Enters case information into a computerized software system and generates reports as directed.
• Works mandatory overtime as directed.
• May transport residents to various locations for services.
• Operates an automobile to perform job functions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test (GED).
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Previous experience working with adolescent youth.

Knowledge

• Human behavior.
• Individual differences of ability, personality and differences.
• Potential behavior problems of children.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word.
• Principles and processes for providing customer service.

Skills

• Active listening.
• Critical thinking.
• Judgment and decision making.
• Social perceptiveness.
• Service orientation.

Abilities

• Provide direction to residents in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Communicate clearly.
• Resolve conflict between residents.
• Recognize and anticipate behavior and potential problems within the unit.
• Assist children with daily living and recreational activities and to effectively role-model, teach, and counsel children to encourage appropriate behavior while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign.
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language.
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions.
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information.
• Work independently.

Work Environment

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Office or similar indoor environment: Frequently/Continuously
• Outdoor environment: Occasionally
• Individuals who are hostile or irate: Frequently/Continuously
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds: Frequently/Continuously
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): Never/Seldom
• Communicable diseases: Occasionally
• Blood Borne Pathogens: Frequently/Continuously

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): Occasionally
• Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: Occasionally
• Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: Occasionally
• Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): Frequently/Continuously
• Leg/Foot Movement: Frequently/Continuously
• Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below): Frequently/Continuously
• Over 100 pounds: Frequently/Continuously
• Push / Pull objects away from or towards the body: Frequently/Continuously
• Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): Occasionally
• Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: Frequently/Continuously
• Standing in an upright position without movement: Frequently/Continuously
• Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: Frequently/Continuously
• Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: Occasionally

Benefits

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two-person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

Pay

$48,083.75 - $62,192.32

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position varies based upon days, afternoons or midnights shifts.