Diversion Specialist

Juvenile Citation Program Coordinator

To provide services for the Juvenile Citation Program involving the placing and supervision of youth in appropriate community service sites, facilitating the educational component and tracking youth beyond program completion. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Position will include after school, evenings and weekend hours. May require occasional extended hours. Requires reliable transportation to report to assigned community service sites. Possible interaction with disruptive juveniles and upset parents. Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Work is performed in a standard office environment and outdoors occasionally. Sitting and typing, facilitating classes, attending meetings, and potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and pathogens. May have exposure to all weather conditions including inclement weather, terrain and wildlife, all members of the public, potential exposure to bodily fluids and blood borne pathogens. Moderate physical demands. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and listen to participants and parents. Ability to observe surroundings and identify volatile safety issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates the educational component of the programs serving the youth; facilitates youth group discussions using the chosen/created curriculum and instructs parents and clients on relevant subjects.
• Acts as a mentor and role model to clients in the program; supervises clients inside JCP building as well as in the community during community service classes; maintains a strictly professional relationship with program participants and maintains strict client confidentiality at all times.
• Researches and identifies emerging issues and seeks to address those issues through various means; develops various curricula, implements new components to the program, and identifies existing community resources and establishing partnerships.
• Presents programs to schools and other community centers to spread awareness; establishes and maintains partnerships with outside agencies that provide educational and community service projects; monitors youth at assigned community service sites to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
• Updates files and databases; notes and monitors all records of all actions taken, active participant demographics, referrals to agencies, and correspondence utilizing a computer; interprets statistical data and submits status reports to the supervisor; makes recommendations for the program based on the data.
• Tracks the status of participants beyond successful completion of the Citation Program; collects data including school grades and attendance to help measure the program success and provides clients and their families with referrals to community resources when necessary.
• Creates new curriculum to facilitate for classes; updates older curricula to keep it relevant, creates new lessons, and coordinates educational games/tools.
• Maintains contact with JPO, community agencies, clients, and parents to facilitate placement and transition of clients; provides services for the JCP involving placing and supervising clients in appropriate community service sites.
• Meets and engages with all members of staff including Supervisor and JIS to discuss current and upcoming clientele; discusses housekeeping, policy review and addresses any issues or schedule changes; communicates and interacts regularly with other staff.
• Participates in various meetings and training opportunities; facilitates and attends trainings to promote professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years college in pursuit of a degree in a social service, education, criminal justice or related field PLUS one (1) year experience working with and supervising at-risk/delinquent youth ages 12-18. One year experience utilizing MS Windows applications required. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).

Valid driver's license. First Aid and CPR certifications must be obtained within six months of hire date. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of community service programs and agencies; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position. Skill in reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas. Ability to interact effectively with a diverse cultural community in a courteous and respectful manner; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.