Juvenile Counselor/Juvenile Detention Officer

General Description

Juvenile Counselors are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all residents and employees in the Hulse Juvenile Detention Center. It is a direct care position that entails supervising a group of residents throughout the day. The Juvenile Counselor will monitor and address the behavior of residents and offer support while also holding the youth accountable for negative actions. The Juvenile Counselor will also offer guidance while using evidence-based practices to increase motivation to change their behavior. 

Becoming a Juvenile Counselor for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Hulse Detention Center, would allow you to be involved with restorative justice solutions for court-involved youth. Your day will consist of handling routine and crisis situations and observing and recording behavior.

Hours of Work  

• The position requires shift work consisting of working weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and overtime.

The shifts that are available are:

• Split Shift: Tuesday/Wednesday 7am-3pm, Thursday/Friday/Saturday from 3pm-11pm with Sunday and Mondays off.
• Third Shift: 11pm-7am
• Second Shift: 3pm-11pm, Friday/Saturdays off

Essential Functions

• Monitor up to 24 residents
• Lead group discussions
• Facilitate Physical Education
• Data entry which includes writing incident, room time, and court reports.
• Use verbal de-escalation skills during crisis situations
• Conduct searches of minors
• Follow and enforce the rules of the facility using natural and logical consequences.
• Influence behavior change through cognitive-behavioral strategies including evidence-based practices such as Effective Practices in Community Settings (EPICS-II)
• Monitor residents during hygiene activities as well as completing nightly room searches.
• Perform building searches
• Conduct transports of residents to appointments, court hearings, etc.
• Conduct routine safety checks while residents are in their rooms
• Perform physical holds using Handle with Care
• Assist with court hearings
• Assist other units within Juvenile Probation and Detention Services including admissions and releases, setting up meals, etc.
• Other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Collaboration skills while working in a team environment
• Strong communication skills
• Data entry skills
• Ability to lead projects and activities such as Arts & Crafts, Physical Education etc.
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to lead up to 24 residents in programming
• Working knowledge of adolescent development, behavioral psychology, and modern correctional practices.
• Ability to effectively problem solve
• Ability to implement techniques learned in training to work in a residential setting

Physical Requirements

• Ability to restrain juveniles once properly trained
• Requires light to medium work involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 25 pounds of force on a regular basis, and moderate dexterity in operating machinery, tools, or office equipment
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, in a car, and working on a computer

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)

• Candidates in their Senior year at a university preferably with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or related social services.
• Knowledge of adolescent growth, development, behavioral psychology, and good knowledge of modern correction practices; possess the ability to effectively problem solve and have the ability to work both individually and in a team atmosphere.
• Preferred Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field
• Experience working with youth in a residential or community setting preferred
• Requires employment eligibility certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/959de170-96e4-4345-bb42-a7d5dd0e178c/Probation_Employment_Application.pdf (Download PDF reader)
• Extensive criminal background check, possession of a valid driver’s license, and supplemented by a satisfactory driving record, required

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.