Job Description
This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.
WHO MAY APPLY
This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish languages, including speaking, reading, and writing.
(Please note: Language fluency means being capable of using a language easily and accurately. Being “bilingual” means using or able to use two languages with equal fluency.)
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS BILINGUAL (ENGLISH & SPANISH) LANGUAGE SKILLS.
Applicants who ARE NOT fluent in BOTH English and Spanish languages, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE to apply for this position.
BENEFITS
WHAT WE OFFER (PAY & BENEFITS):
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees) and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering a variety of gym membership discounts, annual wellness fairs and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Competitive compensation package:
Annual Salary Range: $58,078 - $73,745 (Bilingual skills are compensated at an additional 5%.)
Hourly Pay Rate: $29.78 - $37.81 (Bilingual skills are compensated at an additional 5%.)
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous paid time off package, including:
- 3.6 weeks of vacation per year
- 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
- 8 hours per month sick leave accrual
Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution
- A Choice of Medical Plans with Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage
- A Choice of Dental Plans
- Chiropractic Coverage and Alternative Care Benefit
- Robust wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
- A variety of optional benefits (see Benefits section below)
- Longevity pay
Employees' Association (EA) Full Time Benefits
JOB INTRODUCTION
- Do you believe that all youth are capable of success?
- Do you want to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families?
- Do you want to be able to use your fluency in Spanish to positively impact the Spanish speaking youth and their families?
- Do you have the aptitude to show compassion and encouragement while providing structure and accountability?
- Do you have creative problem solving skills?
- Do you have a personal commitment to putting ethics into action by holding yourself to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty and objectivity?
If you answered “yes” to the questions above, we want you to join our team as a Bilingual Juvenile Counselor 2 at the Clackamas County Juvenile Department. If selected for this position, you will be responsible for providing case management and supervision services for youth referred for criminal charges, use of alcohol and/or other illegal drugs. Your main focus will be on supervising court ordered probation cases, completing risk and needs assessments, and developing case plans designed to reduce criminal activity and further escalation into the juvenile justice system through developmentally appropriate interventions. In this role, you may also be responsible for supervising youth who have committed sex offenses. Another major component of this position is to engage participants and their families in services that will empower them to make better choices, encourage healthy family functioning, reduce youth substance use and delinquent behavior and promote public safety.
We are committed to being an exemplary organization with best practices in providing equitable juvenile justice, family support, intervention, and reformation services to youth, so they can repair harm to victims, experience positive change, and contribute to a safe, healthy and secure community. To that end, we are searching for an experienced individual, who is motivated to be a positive and collaborative contributor, demonstrating strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills that will allow us to improve, develop and enhance our operations.
KEY COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION:
Creates a Respectful and Safe Environment by promoting a working environment and culture in which employees and all the youth, families, and victims we serve feel physically and emotionally safe and able to express themselves without repercussion. It will be critical for someone in this position to commit to serving diverse populations, and recognize that all youth, families, and the victims we serve must be treated with dignity and respect, and must not experience discrimination, bias, or a lack of equity in services. These diverse populations include but are not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, and national origins; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming people; individuals with physical or mental disability; people of all ages, religions, genders, political affiliations, veterans, and people of various socio-economic statuses.
Embodies “SPIRIT” by demonstrating a commitment to the Clackamas County core values of Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Individual Accountability, and Trust in their work (Clackamas County Core Values).
Builds (Cultivates) Relationships by sustaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external customers, partners and stakeholders, in order to work toward shared goals.
Promotes Cross Cultural Effectiveness by engaging in a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds and values.
Commits to Teamwork and Collaboration through team unity by working effectively towards a shared goal, encourages sharing of information, productive problem solving and putting team success first.
Demonstrates Excellent Customer Service by anticipating, assessing, and responding effectively to the needs of the diverse youth, families, and victims we serve.
Professional Communication demonstrated by self-awareness, respect for others, empathy, situation appropriateness and professionalism when communicating verbally, non-verbally and in writing.
Embraces Continual Learning by displaying an ongoing commitment to, and takes ownership for, learning and self-improvements, demonstrates willingness to grow within the job as technology, organizational changes demand it.
Honors Confidentiality in compliance with privacy laws, business needs, including all juvenile matters, and employee/team relations, using only for the purpose required to fulfill employment obligations.
Seeks to Problem Solve as evidence by using critical thinking and analytical skills, identifies alternative strategies bringing a solution-focused approach to address challenging or difficult solutions.
Engages in Self-Management as evidenced by the individual’s ability to manage and continually improve the individual’s own performance through thoughtfulness, self-awareness, self-motivation, personal accountability, and the ability to develop strategies to effectively manage tasks and personnel.
Professional Communication demonstrated by self-awareness, respect for others, empathy, situation appropriateness and professionalism when communicating verbally, non-verbally and in writing.
Displays Creativity and Innovation by generating new ideas and takes initiative in improving services, processes, programs and products
Puts Ethics into Action by holding themselves to a high standard of professional, honest and objective behavior in all dealings with or about youth, families, victims, stakeholders, community partners and service providers. Maintains professional relationships and appropriate social, emotional and physical boundaries at all times with the youth and families the Juvenile Department is entrusted to serve.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Fluency in both English and Spanish languages (Note: Language fluency means being capable of using a language easily and accurately. Being “bilingual” means using or being able to use two languages with equal fluency.)
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of adolescent development
- At least two (2) years of case management experience with delinquent youth
- At least two (2) years of experience partnering with families to address at-risk behaviors of their youth
- At least two (2) years of experience developing case plans, applying evidence base practices, case management principals, and / or managing behavior of youth in the community
- At least two (2) years of experience maintaining discipline and orderly conduct among youth
- Experience conducting risk and needs assessments and initiate appropriate levels of interventions and services
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with emotional or upset individuals
- Strong interpersonal skills that translate into all of the following:
- Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships & partnerships both internally & externally
- Ability to handle a wide range of situations and circumstances effectively, positively, and professionally and to maintain composure in difficult, stressful and quickly emerging situations
- Ability to work well independently, as well as having a collaborative, team-oriented approach to work
- Exercising tact, good judgment and diplomacy, especially while working with people who are experiencing extreme emotions
- Strong active/reflective listening skills
- Ability to develop supportive and constructive relationships with youth and families
- Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County's drug testing policy.
- Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
- Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Experience with providing appropriate safety and supervision plans
- Experience preparing and presenting court reports
- Experience supervising caseloads of youth referred for delinquencies, including those who have been referred for sexual offenses
- Thorough knowledge of criminal and juvenile law
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or other related field
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of victim and community restoration
- Experience participating in the establishment of joint service and case plans
- At least one (1) year of experience working in a court setting
- Thorough knowledge of probation practices
*For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Initiates contact with juveniles referred to the department by law enforcement agencies, interviews juveniles and their families, prepares intake reports and conduct risk and needs assessments. Develops, implements, and revises case plans; refers youth to appropriate agency or placement resources. Assesses specific behavioral or emotional problems, including alcohol and/or drug dependency, assess the need for referrals for psychiatric or medical evaluations as appropriate and refers to appropriate programs based on evaluation findings. Provides counseling for juveniles and their families to establish personal goals. Completes risk assessments, develop individualized case plans with goals, objectives and time lines, and initiates service matching and makes appropriate referrals.
- Supervises juveniles on probation as defined by department contact standards, visits juveniles at homes, schools and places of employment; monitors juveniles’ performance; and, maintains accurate records and prepares written reports. Applies knowledge and principals of family engagement in developing case plans that incorporates meaningful role of family in reformation of the youth. Observes drug tests, monitors school attendance and supports youth and family communication by providing regular in person contact, by phone and email. Monitors compliance with court orders, administers drug tests, assures participation in treatment, and coordinates regular polygraph tests. Position covers for team members in their supervision, court appearance when needed to support the team.
- Explains court procedures to juveniles and their families; sets court appointments; secures legal counsel, if necessary; and, prepares relevant legal and court documents. Presents written and verbal reports regarding youth that include recommendations to the court addressing community safety, appropriate level of supervision, and implementation of services designed to increase knowledge and skills known to reduce criminal behaviors.
- Transports juveniles to and from detention centers, courts, state training schools, homes, and other appointments. These transports are completed consistent with training defined by department policy and procedures.
- Contacts victims, works closely with Victim Advocates, and determines plan to address harm to victim and establish restitution to be paid by juveniles.
- Serves on and, as assigned, facilitates community committees designed to ensure communication between community partners regarding support services available to youth supervised by the Juvenile Department.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional interactions with juveniles may involve physical contact and/or exposure to hostile attitudes.
Participation in Defensive Tactics training and its use involve controlled defensive and offensive body movements including standing, twisting, bending, balancing, pushing, swinging, blocking, parrying and striking.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program, working 37.5 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.
EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 400,000 citizens.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Juvenile Department provides case management services for all persons under the age of 18 coming within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
Its three fold purpose is to hold juvenile offenders accountable, protect public safety and provide intervention services directed at reforming the youth’s conduct.
The juvenile department’s programs are designed to have the youth offender restore the losses that he or she has imposed upon victims and the community at large. We accomplish this by using a strengths based case management approach and by providing opportunities to positively connect the youth in the community.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Clackamas County Juvenile Department is to provide equitable juvenile justice, family support, intervention, and reformation services to youth so they can repair harm to victims, experience positive change, and contribute to a safe, healthy and secure community.
Values
Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence
Guiding Principles
- To honor diversity and to treat all persons with respect.
- To involve youth, families, and community partners in creating an effective and responsive department.
- To strive to be innovative leaders in the field of juvenile justice.
- To incorporate evidence based practices in our work with youth and families.
- To honor victim’s rights and interests throughout all phases of the justice system; To invite victim’s participation in determining how to meaningfully address harm.
- To provide opportunities for youth to repair harm to victims and communities.
- To engage youth to have positive involvement in their communities.
- To foster open communication and team work in a supportive work environment.
- To demonstrate ethical and honest behavior in all that we do.
Learn more about the Clackamas County Juvenile Department
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
