JUVENILE CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST4308L1 Pay Grade: 20 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized corrections work in a juvenile correctional facility focusing on a variety of program elements for staff and juvenile offenders. Incumbents may assist "admission to release" case management for an assigned number of juvenile offenders; may be responsible for development, design, and delivery of multiple training curriculum for staff; may regularly instruct juvenile offenders in multi-program areas; may serve as Independent Living Administrator. In addition to the above, incumbents provide security, control and reintegration of juvenile offenders. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Juvenile Corrections Officer II class which is supervisory work of a unit on an assigned shift. Differs from the Juvenile Corrections Officer III class which involves supervision of a living unit or management of a shift. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Serves as assistant case manager for an assigned number of offenders for case management services from "admission to release." Meets regularly with groups of offenders to facilitate positive behavior responses and addresses individual group member's needs by implementing treatment strategies that are designed to improve choices made by offenders and to instill accountability for their actions. Develops training modules and programs specifically aimed at working with and around offenders. Researches, evaluates and selects handouts, visual aids, case studies and exercises. Presents training and development programs through a variety of methods including lectures, exercises, case studies and visual aids. Gathers data in order to evaluate the effectiveness of training and prepares reports. Coordinates with training department in order to schedule sessions. Conducts either one-on-one, or in groups, life skills sessions with offenders which may include laundering, budgeting, interviewing, etc. May supervise scheduled group arts and craft activities. May serve as Independent Living Administrator for the facility completing all necessary reports in a timely manner. Maintains order ensuring sight and sound supervision of offenders. Inspects living units to locate contraband and to report on conditions affecting the health and safety of offenders. Frequently checks on offenders deemed to be special risks or who are on security status; reports critical conditions and incidents to appropriate authorities. Serves as a member of a treatment team to determine which programs, methods and experiences are appropriate for the treatment of juvenile offenders. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge * Knowledge of juvenile offender physical and psychological needs, and basic human behavior. * Knowledge of special problems and disturbances experienced by juvenile offenders. Knowledge of group dynamics. Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. Knowledge of habilitative, rehabilitative, and socialization practices of juvenile offenders. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques. Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of adult education. Knowledge of the clinical policies, procedures, and regulations of the facility of assignment. Abilities * Ability to be a positive adult role model. * Ability to make written and oral reports. ** Ability to develop program objectives and evaluate success of program. * Ability to observe and understand human behavior. * Ability to listen to and be empathetic with juvenile offenders. * Ability to relate to all staff members and to juvenile offenders. * Ability to use oral and written information in a timely and efficient manner. * Ability to counsel juvenile offenders from arrival to release. * Ability to demonstrate skills and techniques for the care and treatment of juvenile offenders. Ability to instruct juvenile offenders in creative activities. Ability to multi-task using strong organizational skills. Ability to organize and develop instructional material and present information and material in an interesting and challenging manner. Ability to organize and supervise classes. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or equivalent and two
years of experience in the care, control, and treatment of offenders. Coursework in criminal justice or the behavioral sciences may be
substituted for the required experience as determined relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/99 |