Youth Support Specialist

Job Title

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Participates in the planning, implementing, supervision, and reporting on the programs, projects, and other services for residents and their families.
• Monitors and documents all therapeutic activities for residents and their families.
• Assists on a daily basis with monitoring the personal conduct, care, and safety of residents on their assigned Unit while providing leadership.
• Assists in the intake process by facilitating a new admit orientation of the Center for the residents that includes providing a list of unit rules, services, rights, and etc.
• Responds to resident emergencies and provides crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintains continuous communication with the Detention Director and/or designee, Youth Court Counselors, and Unit Officers.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate resident's case files according to agency program specifications which will include but not limited to service plans, weekly progress notes, court reports, and intervention plans.
• Provides individual counseling sessions to each resident housed on their assigned Unit weekly.
• Conducts two group sessions with their assigned Unit weekly focusing on various topics associated with daily life.
• Arranges and monitors special visits for residents who earn the privilege.
• Accompanies youth to court for scheduled court hearings.
• Identify residents with special needs: mental, emotional, social, or physical and make referral to the Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to coordinate a service plan for the resident to address those needs.
• Facilitates phone communication between residents and their parents/guardians, attorneys, and any other approved personnel through telephone contact and visitation.
• Serves as an advocate for the resident as it relates to their progress, placement options, family needs issues, disciplinary hearings, complaints/grievances and court proceedings.
• Collaborates with assigned mental health team to come up with different programs and strategies of dealing with challenging residents in the Center.
• Attends and participates in weekly, bi-weekly, and/or monthly resident staffing, Center team meetings, Intervention Meetings for residents, monthly school meetings, and Court Hearings when assigned.
• Serves as multi-disciplinary team member with the Youth Court Counselors, Mental Health, School, Detention Officer and other relevant staff members by sharing any detention related information pertinent to resident's cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related social service field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in juvenile detention or related field.
• At least two (2) years full-time experience in counseling, screening, and/or case management of juveniles; experience in juvenile justice strongly preferred.
• Pre-employment Drug/Alcohol Testing Required

Terms of Employment

• This is a non-exempt position.
• This is an At-Will employment position
• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
• It is the policy of Hinds County to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Hinds County prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts Hinds County's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by law.