Juvenile Justice Specialist

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibility for providing services in the areas of rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and protection of the public through clinical and case management activities in the areas of juvenile intake, probation, parole and custodial responsibility for delinquent children and their families. Within an Office of Juvenile Justice facility provides clinical social work services to residents and their families. Employees perform both program delivery and client intervention functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Carries a differentiated case load in the area of juvenile justice; provides services and supervision to youths in custody or on probation or parole status or covered by the provisions of the Interstate Compact on juveniles.

• Conducts intake interviews with juvenile offenders, families, and victims and develops appropriate treatment plans.

• Provides individual and group counseling; arranges for health screening; recommends and implements placement, including out-of-home placement and community reintegration; visits clients in out-of-home placements and ensures that appropriate services are being provided.

• Prepares reports for the court, District Attorney’s office and Parole Board; may testify in court as an expert witness; acts as liaison with the court. Staff’s cases with the District Attorney’s office; establishes restitution amount. Initiates, develops, implements and monitors contracts with private nonprofit and for-profit entities, coordinates with providers for delivery of services. 

• Serves as liaison to facilities, agencies and schools and participates on community councils and planning boards.

• Conducts foster care studies and recruits foster parents.

• Conducts diagnostic and evaluation interviews with residents placed in facilities and their families; prepares written social assessment of diagnostic factors; participates as a member of multidisciplinary team of professionals and paraprofessionals in formal evaluation staffing to recommend treatment methodologies; prepares written clinical treatment plans with resident and family; coordinates efforts of psychological, residential and educational staff to provide services to meet treatment needs of resident.

• May develop and maintain a specialized area of training and expertise in one or more of the following areas: HIV/AIDS education, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Abuse Survivors and Sexual Offenders.

• Makes application for Title XIX and Title IV-E for custody juveniles.

• Provides detention screening for law enforcement entities and coordinates detention placement.

• Serves as advocate, presenter or administrative hearing officer in due process District Review Hearings, which may result in the imposition of sanctions against a juvenile.

Other Duties   

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.  

• Ability to multi-task and adapt to demanding and changing timelines. 

• Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion, integrity and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy.  

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while building strong relationships with all levels of staff and effectively collaborating, communicating, respecting, and assisting peers. 

Compensation

Annual Salary: 

Level I - $40,500 

Level II - $46.500

Minimum Qualifications

Level I  

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science; or a bachelor’s degree and one year of professional experience in juvenile justice, social work, community-based prevention and diversionary youth services programs, guidance and counseling, correctional case management or probation and parole. 

Note: No substitution of experience for education will be allowed for the bachelor’s degree.  

Level II  

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in a behavioral science; or a juris doctorate degree; or a master’s degree and one year of professional experience in juvenile justice, social work, community-based prevention and diversionary youth services programs, guidance and counseling, correctional case management or probation and parole; or a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science and one year of professional experience in juvenile justice, social work, community-based prevention and diversionary youth services programs, guidance and counseling, correctional case management or probation and parole; or a bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in juvenile justice, social work, community based prevention and diversionary youth services programs, guidance and counseling, correctional case management or probation and parole. 

Note: No substitution of experience for education will be allowed below the bachelor’s degree.  

Special Requirements

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position, possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at time of appointment and be willing to be on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Must be able to pass background check, fingerprints and drug screening.

A trial period of 12 months will be required.

The Office of Juvenile Affairs has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

'This position is a safety sensitive position as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8 (K)(1)(i)(2) due to providing direct childcare. Therefore, those applicants testing positive for marijuana will not be hired even when in possession of a valid medical marijuana license.'

Why You’ll Love It Here!

HOPE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. As a Hope-centered agency the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) strives to provide Oklahoma youth and families with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma Youth. Check out why we are passionate about juvenile affairs and believe it is the career for you! 

 

Extensive Benefits:  We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.  

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums. 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions.   

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.   

• Retirement Savings Plan: With a generous company match to help secure your future.   

• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees. 

• 11 paid holidays a year. 

• Employee Assistance Program: Support when you need it.  

• Longevity Bonuses: For years of dedicated service.   

• Training Opportunities: Continuous learning and development for CEU requirements.

About Us:  Our vision is that all Oklahoma youth and families have the resources and supports they need to reach their full potential. We collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma youth.  

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help change the lives of Oklahoma’s most at-risk youth!