Position Summary and Job Duties This position serves in a paraprofessional capacity within the Youth & Family Development Services (YFDS) Unit. The position is responsible for facilitating evidence-informed group programming and providing individualized mentoring and skill development services to youth mainly involved in the Youth Justice system. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating and monitoring community service placements, transporting youth to and from program activities, planning and facilitating summer programming, and participating in court hearings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, expulsion hearings, and family/team meetings.
Supports and promotes the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the Human Services Department. Performs in a manner consistent with the HSD Professional Standards and "Commitment to My Co-Workers. 60% - Coordinate and deliver evidence-based programming designed to promote positive youth development and reduce risk factors associated with delinquent behaviors.
-Collaborate with assigned Youth Justice staff to identify appropriate interventions based on YASI results, prior youth justice involvement, case plan goals, and other relevant collateral information. - Facilitate evidence-based group programming utilizing approved curricula and best practices. - Provide individualized skill-building interventions using tools such as Carey Guides, Power Source, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), and other evidence-based resources as appropriate.
- Monitor youth participation, progress, and engagement, and communicate updates to assigned Youth Justice staff and other service providers, including Crisis, CLTS, CCS, and CPS personnel, when applicable. - Maintain timely, accurate, and comprehensive documentation within eWiSACWIS and other required data systems in accordance with departmental standards. - Participate in Youth Justice and YFDS staff meetings, case consultations, and multidisciplinary staffing as required.
15% - Coordinate and oversee community service programming while promoting accountability, skill development, and positive community engagement. - Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with community service sites throughout Rock County. - Assess and assign youth to appropriate community service placements based on individual needs, abilities, and court-ordered requirements.
- Maintain accurate records related to community service placements, contacts, and completion data. - Coordinate and facilitate youth participation in community-based events and activities with or without direct staff supervision, as appropriate. - Attend community partner meetings and represent YFDS in a professional manner.
10% - Collaborate effectively with Youth Justice workers, CPS Case Managers, and other multidisciplinary partners to ensure coordinated service delivery. - Prepare timely, accurate, and detailed documentation, including group notes and progress updates, within eWiSACWIS. - Participate in staffing meetings, case consultations, and joint meetings with Youth Justice staff, CPS Case Managers, schools, and other service providers, as appropriate.
10% - Provide transportation to support youth participation in programming, services, and community-based activities. - Transport youth safely and professionally to and from appointments, groups, educational activities, community service placements, and other approved program functions. 5% - Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the goals and operations of the Youth & Family Development Services Unit.
Success Factors (KSA's) - Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary team members. - Ability to engage, motivate, and build rapport with high-risk youth and their families.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions independently. - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment while managing multiple priorities. - Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and documentation requirements.
- Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-informed interventions for youth. - Knowledge of de-escalation strategies and the ability to respond appropriately to youth exhibiting challenging behaviors. - Knowledge of community resources and service systems available to children, youth, and families.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the county on a regular basis, including the use of a personal vehicle when required. - Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and utilizing required electronic documentation systems. - Knowledge of evidence-based practices designed to improve outcomes for justice-involved youth.
Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience -60 College/College transferable credits. Bachelor's Degree preferred. -Emphasis in counseling, social work, psychology, human services, criminal justice, behavior disorders, or a combination of training and experience Must possess and maintain a current unrestricted (not due to corrective lenses) driver's license and auto insurance pursuant to the Rock County Administrative Policy and Procedure Policy 5.02
Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions) Physical: -Ability to walk, stand, sit Equipment use: -Ability to use a computer and computer keyboard -Ability to use a copier, fax, scanner and telephone -Ability to type notes on a daily basis and utilize computer programs such as Microsoft Work and Excel Working conditions: -Ability to work in multiple office locations in both the Northern and Southern parts of Rock County -Valid Driver's License in order to navigate between site locations, attend meetings, and transport youth -Majority of work takes place at the Diversion Programs community sites -Office space is provided in multiple locations in Janesville and Beloit -Typical hours for this position are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday with a 1 hour lunch break. - - Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours are expected when needed.