Youth Advisor

Under direction, the Youth Advisors are responsible for the direct observation, supervision, guidance and general custodial care of juveniles in residence in a secure detention facility and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Youth Advisor class series requiring a minimum level of previous experience in working with juveniles.  Incumbents will perform basic assignments and receive continuous training in direct observation, supervision, guidance and general custodial care of juveniles and in facilitating programs.  Incumbents work under close supervision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
N/A(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).

1. Responsible for the care, security, reporting, observation, supervision, and guidance of juveniles in residence. Maintain security, prevent escapes, and ensure enforcement of policies and procedures.  Resolve problems and differences among the juveniles.
2. Assist and instruct residents with daily living skills, including personal hygiene and maintenance of living areas.
3. Record observations of youth report relevant information to appropriate staff.
4. Actively participates in the program planning, development, and teaching of special interest programs.
5. Responsible for completing paperwork on shift including documentation in the logbook, incident reports, probable cause reports, intakes and all other forms as needed.  This could also include police reports and referrals to Social Service agencies.
6. Maintain OSHA and MSDS standards.
7. Supervision of juveniles with mental health issues including acute suicidal actions, severe depression, psychosis; making appropriate referrals to mental health professionals for further evaluation.
8. Transportation of juveniles to and from the facility as needed.
9. Serve as a liaison between Juvenile Services and other outside agencies and the public.
10. Ensure that assigned personnel perform duties and responsibilities safely and prudently so that no one is exposed to unnecessary harm or risk of on-the-job injury.
11. Ensure that all policies and procedures are followed correctly and consistently.
12. Complete comprehensive incident reports and detention behavioral reports correctly and professionally.
13. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge.

Full Performance (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned)

Knowledge of:

• County and department policies, practices and procedures relevant to area of work assignment,
• Computer software specific to the department.
• Working knowledge of state and local laws relating to juvenile justice, child welfare, and the court system.
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in assigned functions.
• Laws, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of counseling skills and accepted practices for the guidance and rehabilitation of juveniles.
• Principles and practices of supervision.
• Principles of de-escalation and communicating directives to defiant youth.

Ability to:

• Understand the organization and operation of the County and outside agencies, as necessary to assume assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Access and operate department computer equipment and software.
• Interact with a variety of individuals (internal and external to the agency) with courtesy, tact, and professionalism.
• Interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulation, standards, including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Train staff in essential job functions for back up support as necessary.
• Exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion.
• Perform multiple functions in periods of intense activity requiring a quick response and the application of appropriate procedures.
• Input information in an approved database on youth status, referral, detention and disposition as needed.

Entry Level 
(Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods)

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computer equipment
• Proper English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques of record keeping and reporting.
• Principles of individual and group behavior.
• Child and adolescent development.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations, often with limited information
• Understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Accurately observe and recall information.
• Provide direct supervision of juveniles.
• Observe and record events accurately and concisely including proficient writing skills enabling the preparation of quality reports.
• Deal with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• View information, identify problems and arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Operate a personal computer and software programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
• Compile and tabulate data and information to complete and maintain accurate records.
• Control personal bias

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Social Work or closely related field or 500 hours on-call services as a Youth Advisor (On Call); OR an equivalent combination of related education and qualifying experience in a Detention Facility, related Justice program, residential treatment program or in a law enforcement field.
• A youth Advisor is expected to advance to the Youth Advisor II class after successful completion of training and two (2) years of supervised work and achieving proficiency that meets the requirements for Youth Advisor II.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
A valid Nevada Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for continued employment in this classification.
Maintain CPR/First Aid certification for continued employment
Complete and maintain training and certification in a department approved Defensive Tactics and other training required by the Department.Humboldt County, Nevada is an Equal Opportunity Employer.