Job Description

Posting number: 26-01758

Department: Juv & Domestic Relations Court

Job classification: PROBATION COUNSELOR II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Court Administration, Probation

Summary

Position is located at Stepping Stones, formerly Boys Probation House (BPH) (it was PBH), a community-based residential group home for adolescent males ages 14 - 18 on probation that are post-dispositionally court-ordered into the program or adolescent males monitored by a community-based case manager.

This position is a merit, full-time position with day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, 40 hours per week. Services take place primarily in the group home, followed by three months of support services provided in the assigned resident's home/community following the residential phase. While working as part of a resident's treatment team, provides case management, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based counseling services; with the primary goal of assisting the resident in addressing the underlying issues that brought them to the attention of the court, increase their ability to accept personal responsibility through therapeutic treatment, and transitioning successfully to home, school, and community.

Also collaborates with the clinical team to develop weekly strategies, provides treatment interventions, and monitors progress of goals on the resident's service plan. Conducts individual counseling sessions and leads group sessions. Provides weekly progress updates and may submit court summaries. When not providing counseling or case management provides direct supervision and counseling to all residents. Ensures facility operation and building safety, maintenance, and security on all assigned shifts. Ensures the health care and physical well-being of residents through appropriate disbursement of medication and administration of first aid. May be required to testify at court hearings as a program representative reporting on client's behavior and progress in their treatment. Operates a 15-passenger van and transports residents to a variety of community activities. Supervises and directs the daily routine of residents. Supervises the daily treatment and recreational programs that include counseling sessions, treatment and recreational programs that encompass sports, and life skills training. Ensures the physical well-being, health care and safety of residents.

This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, etc.). Description of Hazard(s): Contact with the public within 6' for more than 15 minutes, while providing services to youth and families. Engineering / Administrative / Work Practice Controls: Hand sanitizer provided.

Examples of duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Counseling and Treatment Services

Formulates treatment or rehabilitation plans for and presents written or oral recommendations for adjustment of behavior;

Supervises and monitors community service requirements; schedules payments, collects court costs and restitution; monitors urine tests;

Refers offenders/defendants to other agencies or facilities as needed and maintains liaison with service providers to coordinate evaluations;

Testifies in court and provides required written reports on adjustment and compliance to courts;

Documents and maintains prescribed records of casework services and periodically compiles related statistics:

Aids clients in obtaining employment;

Arranges for the court appearance of the client and family;

Informs clients of available community resources;

Arranges appointments for medical examinations and psychological testing;

Residential Services:

Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs;

Ensures that residents maintain behavioral norms;

Coordinates and implements a residential program area such as recreational, educational or employment activities;

May drive a passenger van for educational and recreational trips;

Qualifications

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)

Knowledge of casework supervision practices and procedures;

Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;

Knowledge of current social and economic conditions;

Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information;

Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work and victim services;

Ability to interview and counsel clients;

Ability to prepare complete case records and reports;

Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Supplemental information

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or education plus two years of professional experience in probation work, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or counseling. A master's degree in the disciplines above may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Driver's License (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is considered Emergency Service Personnel to ensure the continuity of essential operations and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
• Criminal Background Investigation
• Child Protective Services Registry Check
• Driving Record Check
• Sanction Screenings
• Pre-employment Medical Evaluation
• Tuberculosis Test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-year college degree in sociology, criminology, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field
• 2 years of direct care work within a youth residential setting
• Experience in case management, service plans, and risk assessments
• Proficient in evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT
• Successful usage of Microsoft Office.
• Personal computer; cell phone

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment.
• Must be able to physically restrain acting out residents (youth between the ages of 14 - 18).
• Must be able to supervise and participate in educational and recreational activities with adolescents (this may include participating in sports activities, standing for periods of time, sitting, and observing).
• Visual and auditory acuity.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.