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Jackson County, OR

8523 - Juvenile Justice Specialist I (Community Justice)

Jackson County, OR, Medford, OR, United States


Salary: $21.54 - $28.80 Hourly

Location : Medford, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 8523

Department: Community Justice

Division: Juvenile Service

Opening Date: 10/08/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

$1,000 Sign-on Bonus (not available for current County employees)

Do you have a passion for working with youth and want to be part of a great team in helping youth involved in the juvenile justice system turn their lives around to create a better future? If so, please reference any and all experience you have working with youth in all previous jobs.

As a Juvenile Justice Specialist with Jackson County's Juvenile Department, you'll work with youth to build rapport while promoting a restorative, pro-social model of accountability for youth residing in Detention or our Residential Program - Barriers to Bridges.

You will be responsible for the guidance, safety, security, supervision, documentation and general care of youth who present a variety of behavioral, cognitive, emotional and intellectual issues, through the use of restorative justice practices (accountability, repairing harm, collaboration, reintegration, and empowerment). Using an interactive model of supervision, we place particular emphasis on, building strong relationship, being a supportive and empathetic professional in their lives, providing evidence-based cognitive skill groups, modeling diversity, inclusivity, and equity, and engaging youth in structured pro-social activities such as sports, art, group activities, and gardening. At times, you will work in a one-on-one setting with youth who are struggling. Our youth need consistent trusted people who will listen, provide guidance and empower them to build coping skills, resiliency and self-efficacy.

Detention is a 16-bed, two-level unit that provides secure custody, a myriad of opportunities and services to youth awaiting the court process, out-of-home placement or serving short court ordered sentences. Accountability is not achieved when youth simply do time in detention, true accountability involves making time count. Youth participate in a year-round educational program that consists of core subjects, advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the support of an onsite school counselor. Furthermore, our youth have access to peer mentorship, restorative practices, mental health and substance use assessments, evidence-based individual and group skill development, recreation, medical screening/care, mental health counseling, and crisis services.

The BRS residential program is a 10-bed unit that serves youth on probation, who have behavioral concerns which cannot be adequately assessed or dealt with while at home, and close and objective observation of the youth's day-to-day behavior is needed in order to evaluate the reasons for the behavior and to determine the rehabilitative services in order to further stabilize the behavior for successful transition back into the Community. Youth participate in a year-round educational program, mental health and substance use assessments, evidence-based individual and group skill development, on and off-site activities, medical screening/care and mental health and substance treatment services.

Juvenile Justice Specialists must have the ability to use effective verbal skills to de-escalate volatile situations; respond to crisis situations, including physically intervening with youth who may be physically acting out or attempting to harm themselves or others, which may involve the use of physical and mechanical restraints (detention only); and be able to regularly go up and down stairs. Programs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and applicants must be willing to work a variety of shifts, including graveyard (11pm - 7am), swing (3pm-11pm) and days (7am-3pm), in addition to weekends and holidays.

Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!

Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

  • Passionate and Motivated Leadership.
  • Restorative and Trauma Informed Focus and Approach.
  • Effective Communicator.
  • Team Focused.
  • Excellent Time Management.
  • Compassionate Conflict Resolution.
  • Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
  • Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. click on the following link to review
  • Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review
  • This position is represented by union group SEIU.
Job Duties and Requirements

I. Position Summary

Directs and supervises the activities of youth involved in the juvenile justice system and placed in the County detention or residential program, including providing evidence-based skill development groups; uses a behavior management system to assist youth in changing behaviors and learning consequential thinking, modeling pro social communication, emotional management and healthy relationships and offering support and feedback in a restorative manner while maintaining security, safety and general housekeeping standards. Performs a significant portion of the work assigned to the next higher level, but without the independence or full responsibility expected at the journey level within a procedural framework.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)
  • Admits and releases youth to the County detention or residential program according to state law, contractual obligations and department and division policy; instructs youth on rules, procedures and expectations of placement; checks for illness and injury; conducts intake assessments with law enforcement officers, caseworkers, probation officers, other agencies, etc. to determine facts and appropriate placement decisions; accounts for all personal property of youth placed in the program.
  • Notifies parents and appropriate authorities of detention placements and/or court hearings.
  • Supervises all youth in an unbiased manner regardless of placement reason; responds to major and minor disturbances, restores and maintains security, order and schedule of activities; takes restorative, corrective and disciplinary actions; restrains youth according to division and contractual policies and procedures; dispense medications as prescribed; transports youth as required; and, takes residential youth on community offerings.
  • Searches people, clothing, mail items, objects capable of concealing contraband, buildings and large outdoor areas.
  • Performs crisis intervention functions to include counseling, suicide prevention, skill development, recognizing abnormal behavior and taking appropriate action.
  • Establishes, monitors and maintains detailed case files, ensuring accurate and complete documentation of youths' behavior, attitudes and action; prepares thorough and detailed reports in a timely and professional manner and maintains records as necessary.
  • Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
  • Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
  • Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.
III. Minimum Requirements(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience
  • Associate's degree or at least two years college course work in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, communication studies, human services or education AND six months experience working with the criminal justice system, social services system, or with children or youth; OR
  • A high school diploma or equivalent AND a one year certificate in a juvenile justice or criminal justice program AND six months experience working with the criminal justice system, social services system or with children or youth; OR
  • Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Must receive certification of successful completion of the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors' Custody and Residential Worker Training Academy within initial twelve months of employment and possess first aid and CPR certification within initial 30 days of employment.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Position requires knowledge and understanding of behavior and adjustment problems of youth; basic counseling, restorative and rehabilitation concepts of social and personal improvement of youth; health, safety and personal hygiene needs; criminal law and the criminal justice system, specifically the juvenile justice system; law enforcement procedures and protocol; and modern office practices including computer skills. Position requires ability to effectively intervene in order to protect the community and aid in rehabilitation of youth; secure and hold the confidence and cooperation of youth; provide a safe and positive environment within the program; understand the emotional and physical problems of youth; perform at a high level of professional competence; perform basic first aid and CPR; give effective presentations in court; maintain accurate records; work in potentially hostile and dangerous environments; restrain youth as necessary; make quick, intelligent decisions in crisis situations; adapt to changes in program direction, procedures and operations; maintain safety requirements; learn computer skills including typing; effectively organize duties; display initiative and creativity in carrying out duties and assignments; comply with all statutes, policies and procedures; understand and carry out oral and written directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Typically requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing (including ability to clearly distinguish and identify colors), and repetitive motions. Requires exerting up to 20 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally, of force to move objects. Requires sufficient strength and coordination for restraining and/or carrying the weight of adults and defending one's self from attack. Requires driving.

Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)

Work may be conducted in a noisy, crowded area, with exposure to uncomfortable physical conditions, including heat, cold, wetness, strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals, solvents, grease, oils, inks, electrical currents, dust and pollen, illnesses, diseases and blood borne pathogens. May include exposure to disruptive individuals.Must be willing to work various shifts that may include nights, weekends and holidays.

V. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JACKSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Jackson County is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our commitment includes providing a respectful working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This commitment is made by Jackson County in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. Upon your request, Jackson County will consider all requests for reasonable accommodation during the recruitment and selection process. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at or call 541-774-6036.

Jackson County Benefit Summary - SEIU

Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.

This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County SEIU employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, Jackson County policies, and/or collective bargaining agreement, the applicable documents will govern.

Insurance

Health Insurance - As of July 1, 2024 Regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost to the employee of $22.82 per paycheck ($49.45 per month) toward the monthly composite premium. Regular full-time employees may not waive coverage. Regular part-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their full-time equivalent (FTE), or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Hinge - Provided through Regence, Hinge is an online virtual Physical Therapy benefit for all employees and their dependents enrolled in the health insurance plan. This online virtual service will work around your schedule in the comfort of your own home, and there is no cost to the employee.

Wellness Center by CareATC - In addition to health insurance, certain primary care medical services, lab services, and prescription medications are offered at no out-of-pocket cost for the employee who is enrolled in the County's health insurance plan, and their eligible dependents at the wellness center.

Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month coinciding with 30 days from date of hire. The benefit is equal to two times the employee's annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, to a maximum of $500,000. Insurance in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit.

Long-Term Disability - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month following date of hire. The benefits are payable after a waiting period of 60 days at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of base salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional AD&D coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of plan and coverage amounts.

Voluntary Life Insurance - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional Life Insurance coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of coverage amounts.

Leaves

Vacation - Regular full-time employees earn vacation leave at a rate of 15 to 27 days annually depending upon years of County service. Regular part-time employees earn vacation leave on a prorated basis. Employees can carry forward up to two times the annual vacation accrual (prorated for part-time employees). Vacation leave cannot be used during the first six full months of regular employment. Twice per fiscal year, employees may request to be paid for vacation accruals, provided specific requirements are met.

Years of ServiceAnnual Vacation Accrual
0 to 5 years 15 days (4.62 hours/pay period)
Over 5 through 10 years18 days (5.54 hours/pay period)
Over 10 through 15 years21 days (6.47 hours/pay period)
Over 15 through 20 years24 days (7.39 hours/pay period)
Over 20 years 27 days (8.31 hours/pay period)

Sick Leave - Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period (12 days annually), which starts to accrue during the first pay period. Regular part-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Accrued sick leave may be used as soon as it is accrued.

Holidays - Regular full-time employees receive ten paid holidays annually (prorated for regular part-time employees), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on the previous Friday and holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.

Personal Leave - Each fiscal year on July 1, full-time regular employees receive one personal leave day (eight hours; prorated for regular part-time employees based on the position's FTE as of July 1). Employees must be employed on July 1 to be eligible to receive the personal leave day. Personal leave is used in 15-minute increments. If it is not used, it does not roll over to the following year.

Retirement

Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System - Jackson County participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). PERS has Tier One, Tier Two, and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) pension programs, as well as the Individual Account Program (IAP). Tier One covers members hired before January 1, 1996; Tier Two covers members hired between January 1, 1996 and August 28, 2003; and OPSRP covers members hired on or after August 29, 2003.

IAP contains all member contributions (6% of covered salary, currently County-paid) made on or after January 1, 2004. The legislature created the IAP in 2003 to provide an individual account-based retirement benefit for new workers hired on or after August 29, 2003, and for Tier One/Tier Two members active on or after January 1, 2004. The IAP benefit is in addition to the member's other retirement program benefit (i.e., Tier One, Tier Two, or OPSRP). Employees are automatically vested in their IAP account when their account is established.

IAP Redirect - Per Senate Bill 1049 (2019) contributions remain at the rate of 6% however, a portion of that 6% is redirected to the Employee Pension Stability Account (EPSA). 2.5% is redirected for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and 0.75% is redirected for OPSRP members. The rest of the county-paid contribution is directed to the employee's IAP. Employee's may choose to make voluntary contributions for the amount of the redirect through the Oregon PERS Online Member Services (OMS) at www.oregon.gov/PERS.

Salary Limit - Beginning January 1, 2020, SB 1049 changed the definition of "salary" for PERS purposes and created new limitations on annual and monthly "subject salaries." Your salary is used to determined member Individual Account Program (IAP) contributions, employer contributions to fund the pension program, and the final average salary used in calculating retirement benefits under formula methods. The 2022 limit $210,582 per year. The limit is prorated when members work fewer than 12 months in a calendar year.

OPSRP is designed to provide approximately 45 percent of an employee's final average salary at retirement (for a general service member with a 30-year career or a police and firefighter member with a 25-year career).

OPSRP General Service: Unless employees are in a police or firefighter position, they are considered a general service member. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:

1.5 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for general service members is age 65, or age 58 with 30 years of retirement credit.

General Service Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate benefits using any number of years and any final average salary):

Final average salary: $45,000
Retirement credit: 30 years as an OPSRP member
30 (years) x 1.5 percent = 45 percent
45 percent x $3,750 (final average monthly salary) = $1,687.50
Single Life Option monthly benefit = $1,687.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)

Other Benefits

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program - Jackson County offers regular employees the option to enroll in IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans. The employee defers compensation through voluntary payroll deductions into this supplemental retirement plan. The 457 plan is a separate retirement plan from PERS.

Voluntary Direct Deposit - An employee may choose to have their payroll check automatically deposited into their bank account. Employees can choose up to four accounts to receive direct deposit funds. Most banks allow participation of this program.

Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Section 125 Plan - The FSA is a tax-free regular employee-funded account. Regular employees may choose to participate in pre-tax health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket unreimbursed eligible health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and qualified transportation expenses, in order to have "before-tax" dollars deducted from their paychecks.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - The County has a fully-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer. The EAP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist you and your eligible family members with personal problems, large or small. The EAP provides confidential services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and life. The EAP is offered to regular employees, their dependents, and any household members. Services include up to four face-to-face counseling sessions per year, 24/7/365 access to crisis counselors, and convenient access to on-line consultations with licensed counselors.

01

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? (A conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from employment, but an incomplete answer will. Each conviction will be reviewed with respect to the position for which you applied.)
  • Yes
  • No


Required Question