Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 – Probation Unit

Description

Applications received by 7/23/2023 will receive first consideration.

This is a 40 hour a week position

Position Summary

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field. It is home to where reform policies, practices, and programs are nationally recognized. Pierce County Juvenile Court was one of two sites in the nation to be selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community. Even with the successes in our reform journey, we know that there is more work to do as the structure of our current system is designed to produce disparate outcomes for BIPOC children and families, as well as marginalized communities.

Do you want to be on the front line of change? Of taking our current efforts to the next level, so that young people are prepared for successful transition into adulthood? And advocate within the system for change that impacts individuals while supporting the development of strong communities?

Your passion for leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, providing resources and advocacy to young people and families, will be valued here. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community.

Our Guiding Principles

We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.

We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.

We Maintain a Growth Mindset: Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow.

We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other in all times.

We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

How To Be Successful In The Role

Success in this position is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.

• Be culturally humble and responsive.
• Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long term success in the field of child welfare.
• Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own.
• Ability to work in a high conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for young people and families.
• Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma informed and anti-racist lens.
• Write and speak in a persuasive way.

Your Future in the Role:

As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in everchanging and innovative environments.

This position has opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve.

Click here to watch a short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: https://youtu.be/E-YZEVzoeM8

Core Daily Responsibilities

Pierce County Juvenile Court probation department is committed to making a powerful contribution to the health and safety of our community. Through a race equity and inclusion focus, we envision a safe, connected community where all youth and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths so they can reach their potential. By actively engaging with youth and families, we are building positive and trusting relationships that best advocate for the needs of our families. Our role is to ensure every family and youth are well informed throughout their interaction with the court and receive the right resources and supports to be successful. Subsequently, every youth and family should feel valued and empowered throughout their experience and enabled to transition successfully into the community.

• Facilitate relationships and advocate outside of court to ensure a child and family’s needs are being met by the system and community.
• Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, or other support systems in the lives of the young people served, to form a support network for them and their family for their long-term success.
• Meet young people and families in their homes, in the community, at schools, etc. Build relationships with young people and all parties involved with a case.
• Stay up to date with current trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorder, poverty, racism, bias, etc.
• Gather fact-based information to make informed recommendations to the court and ensure the court has all relevant information to make well informed decisions.
• Participate in the court process – write court reports, file and respond to motions, testify at trials and court hearings.
• Maintain the highest integrity and follow the rules of conduct for Juvenile Probation Counselors and Pierce County employees.
• Develop, facilitate, and participate in training for ongoing educational requirements and ongoing certification.
• Facilitate/co-facilitate in teaching groups of young people that are involved in Evidence Based and Positive Youth Development programming.

Strategic Responsibilities and Values:

You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court. You should support the vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths, so that they can reach their full potential. You should instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change. Qualifications

Qualifications

• Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.
• One or more years’ experience in a related field.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field and

Special Requirements:

• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment.
• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.