Community Specialist - Lexington County

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation. Job Purpose Entry level specialist position that provides case management coordination services to include assessment, interviewing, planning, monitoring, advocacy, direct supervision, and intervention of youth referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Job Responsibilities Serves as the primary case manager for youth referred to DJJ through diversion, intake, probation, or parole supervision. Interviews juveniles, family members and any service providers servicing the youth to assess juveniles’ level of functioning, strengths, and needs. Monitors juvenile for compliance with court orders. Provides alternatives to incarceration through the use of graduated responses and STAP. Serves as on‑call agent on rotation. Provides a comprehensive plan of supervision for the assigned youth to include diversion, intake, probation, or parole. Develops a comprehensive needs‑based case management plan. Advocates on behalf of youth and families to ensure appropriate, timely and consistent services. Conducts assessments for services and living arrangements for youth re‑entry to the community. Maintains case file to include JJMS data entry and uploading documents. Promotes restorative justice practices to address the repair of harm/compensation to victims and communities. Prepares reports, forms, and participates in various meetings. Participates in job related training and workshops for professional development. Conducts other duties as assigned, required, or requested. State Minimum Requirements A bachelor's degree in social science or its equivalent. Additional Requirements Knowledge of federal/state laws and regulations pertaining to juvenile offenders and the juvenile justice system. Knowledge of the objective, techniques, and practices of juvenile justice intake/probation functions. Knowledge of fact‑gathering methods and interviewing techniques. Ability to develop, enhance and work with community collaborative initiatives. Ability to organize and maintain a case load. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to facilitate and broker services for juveniles, their families, and victims. Ability to utilize a wide range of graduated responses. Must be proficient in Microsoft and other MS applications. Responsible for duties relating to custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction and may have direct or indirect contact with youth; training provided. Some overnight travel for training as needed. Must be able to drive and travel throughout the state. Must be able to physically lift up to 25 lbs. Preferred Agency Requirements A bachelor's degree in social science or its equivalent. Experience in strength‑based case management, work with community‑based programs, intake, probation, parole, intensive case management, criminal justice, or equivalent related experience. Benefits Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health, dental, and life insurance 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days of sick leave per year 13 paid holidaysState retirement plans and deferred compensation programs Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-South-Carolina