Probation Counselor III

Under the general supervision of the Youth Services Coordinator, this position is operational in nature. The Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center's Vocational Specialist's primary responsibilities are directed towards the development and implementation of a program of deliverables focused on vocational education programming and the recruitment, development and coordination of a volunteer program that meets the needs of residents. Provides individual and group instruction in collaboration with JDC program staff, Education staff, and external partners. Works with identified residents to develop a post-release transition plan for continued training/education and to facilitate potential employment opportunities.

Identifies, develops, implements, and monitors policy and procedures specific to the operation of the Detention Center and vocational program; ensures program compliance with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) regulations governing Juvenile Secure Detention Centers and Agency and County operational procedures. Serves on various work groups and committees as identified by the Youth Services Coordinator or Assistant Superintendent of Specialized Programs.

Flexible work hours are required for this position. This position involves a rotating schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.

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.

(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.)

• Plan, assign, organize, and direct the flow of work and activities;

• Convenes an interdisciplinary/inter-agency team to collaboratively plan, deliver and monitor multiple services;

• Examines and evaluates the individual circumstances of each case referral;

• Serves as a resource, trainer and policy expert for professional staff in providing appropriate custody and care, and ensuring the safety and welfare of juvenile or adult offenders or defendants;

• Evaluates effectiveness of methods and procedures and recommends changes;

• Participates in the development of policy and procedures;

• Interprets policies and regulations for clients;

• Composes and dictates case records, petitions and correspondence;

Residential Services

• Handles crisis situations to include medical, mental health and behavioral crises as necessary;

• May be required to drive 15-passenger van for educational and recreational trips:

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

• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;

• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of casework supervision;

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local juvenile and domestic relations laws;

• Ability to speak and write effectively;

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals;

• 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 use technology to enter and retrieve 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 college or university with a master's degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education; AND two years of professional experience in probation work. For positions in the Police Department only, two years of sworn law enforcement supervision may be substituted for the two years of professional experience in probation work.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the areas of Education, Sociology Criminal Justice, Social Work or any other related field of study.
• Prior experience working in a residential setting with adolescents, or as an educator with experience providing curriculum based vocational training.
• Must be able to workdays, evenings, weekends.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

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.govEEO/AA/TTY.