Youth Guidance Specialist, Juvenile Justice Center
Job Number: 2023

FSLA: Non-ExemptLocation: Oklahoma County Juvenile Center 5905 N. Classen Ct., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118Hours: 40 hours per week, as scheduled. May occasionally require additional or flexible hours to complete assigned responsibilities. This position is required to be available and responsive twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week to meet public safety and operational needs.GENERAL PURPOSE: Works to create a safe and empowering atmosphere for the residents of the Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center, helping to ensure their needs are identified and met. Works with residents to promote optimum mental health; may help residents with family and parenting problems, issues of self-harm, stress management, problems with self-esteem, and problems associated with mental and emotional matters.SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Youth Guidance Specialist II. SUPERVISION EXCERCISED: None.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Understands, practices, and promotes the mission and vision of the OCJB.Understands the impact of trauma on youth and applies Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles (connecting, empowering, and correcting) and other trauma-informed models to support the residents of the Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center. Maintains daily focus on the department's service philosophy when interacting with youth and staff. Actively works to create a safe and empowering atmosphere for growth and ensures residents’ needs are met. Practices active listening and uses intentional words, body language, tone of voice, and mannerisms to communicate. Takes initiative to develop positive connections with all residents. Guides residents to identify triggers and utilize coping skills/self-regulation through daily interactions and activities. Guides residents to identify and participate in their “sparks,” (passions, hobbies, and/or interests that give their life meaning) when possible.Plans and conducts team-building activities that serve to facilitate connection between residents and staff, at least quarterly. Provides group and individual counseling for residents in need within the detention center. Communicates with the Court Services Department to provide guidance and ensure proper referrals are made upon release for residents needing follow up services. Participates in and facilitates TBRI nurture groups and other therapeutic group exercises weekly.Participates in all program requirements such as department meetings.Provides crisis management services as needed. Connects residents with outside resources and/or creates behavior management plans to support the behavioral and mental health of residents in need.Identifies, develops, and provides training and guidance to trainees and assigned officers to assist in their understanding of mental health issues and support services. Serves as a leader and role model in the application of trauma-informed care and intervention. Works to unify staff as one treatment team.NOTE: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. This job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience: Candidates must have a high school diploma and a minimum of four (4) years of relevant further education or experience in counseling, social work, mental health, psychology, direct care in a detention facility, or a closely related field, or a combination of education and experience totaling a minimum of four (4) years.Special Requirements:Must have a valid driver’s license.Must have current verification of adequate automobile insurance coverage.Must have a working telephone number where employee can be reached. Must be on-call 24 hours per day. Supervisory personnel are available to address all emergencies in a timely manner.Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Must possess maturity, judgment, and knowledge consistent with the high level of responsibility required.Must have extensive knowledge of and experience in social work techniques and an understanding of community resources, family dynamics, cultural diversity, and substance abuse issues.Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.Skill in securing and maintaining the trust, confidence, and cooperation of residents.Ability to consult with staff, attorneys, and others.Skills in the use of computers, audiovisual equipment, copy machines, and telephones.Skilled in handling confidential work and in working with the public in a tactful and discrete manner.Must possess the leadership ability and supervisory skills required to motivate other employees to work together to accomplish a common objective.Must be skilled in working cooperatively and in communicating effectively with other professional groups, in exercising mature judgment in dealing with people, in the application of individual problems in social services, in understanding and presenting ideas clearly and accurately, and in reading and comprehending the English language.Possess the ability and willingness to perform job related travel and travel-related duties.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Computer terminals, copy machines, audiovisual equipment, telephones, and fax machines.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to read, understand, and comprehend written reports, and to communicate effectively with staff, clients, victims, Court personnel, and co-workers. The employee must be able to analyze situations and make decisions. The employee will operate a computer terminal, open/close file drawers, make telephone calls, and pull files. Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time.Must be able to open security doors, which require an estimated twenty (20) pounds of force to open.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Youth Guidance Specialist’s work environment may vary depending on office duty. The office noise level ranges from quiet to moderate. The atmosphere may at times be hostile and unsafe. The work environment involves exposure to the general public and the potential for volatile situations.

Candidates must have a high school diploma and a minimum of four (4) years of relevant further education or experience in counseling, social work, mental health, psychology, direct care in a detention facility, or a closely related field, or a combination of education and experience totaling a minimum of four (4) years. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have current verification of adequate automobile insurance coverage. Must have a working telephone number where employee can be reached. Must be on-call 24 hours per day. Supervisory personnel are available to address all emergencies in a timely manner.

Candidates must have a high school diploma and a minimum of four (4) years of relevant further education or experience in counseling, social work, mental health, psychology, direct care in a detention facility, or a closely related field, or a combination of education and experience totaling a minimum of four (4) years. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have current verification of adequate automobile insurance coverage. Must have a working telephone number where employee can be reached. Must be on-call 24 hours per day. Supervisory personnel are available to address all emergencies in a timely manner.

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