Youth Diversion Specialist

Please review the City of Middletown's Application Instructions as your application constitutes as part of the examination process.   

The purpose of this professional position is to provide diversion services and related case management for Middletown’s youth.  The position manages the delivery of social services and act as a liaison with local, state, and federal social service agencies and groups. The work is performed under the direction of the Youth Services Coordinator.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Manages or supervises all Juvenile Review Board (JRB) functions and related casework. Responsible for all JRB records and communications.
• Provides assessments, interventions, and support for truancy and other status offense cases removed from court jurisdiction and legislatively assigned to Youth Service Bureaus.
• Completes yearly grant funding application, including budget development for Juvenile Review Board/diversion program operational funding.
• Facilitates and coordinates the provision of services for clients; advocates for clients. Provides case management, counseling/direct service as well as group level support such as restorative circles and curriculum based groups.  Acts as a liaison to other social service agencies and programs. Assists clients in obtaining employment services, housing assistance and emergency services.
• Provides referrals and information to the general public and social service agencies in areas including food, shelter, financial help, medical and family services; provides advocacy for underprivileged individuals.
• Provides crisis intervention services to clients as needed. Provides limited counseling to clients and their families. Interviews juveniles referred by schools, police, Courts, or private organizations; performs assessment and evaluation to determine program eligibility.
• Serves as a liaison between the bureau and outside youth service agencies and organizations as assigned.
• Addresses community groups regarding departmental programs, activities, and clinical services.
• Assists clients with other agency applications.
• Prepares a variety of case reports, documents and correspondence. Maintains strict confidentiality of youth arrest data and youth and family personal data, including mental health data.
• May attend meetings as requested by YSB Coordinator.
• Maintains availability on call to respond to emergencies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Services or related field with five years of related case work experience; or, any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position requires Connecticut Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW). Position requires the possession of a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license within 60 days of appointment.  

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication·         

• Requires the ability to perform basic level of data analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or reference data, statutes and/or group, rank, investigate and diagnose. Requires discretion in determining and referencing such to establish standards to recognize interactive effects and relationships. 
• Ability to persuade, convince and train others. Ability to advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
• Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of references, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information such as diagnostic manuals, case reports, medical records, psychological reports, statutes, procedures and non-routine correspondence.
• Requires the ability to communicate orally and in writing with the YSB Coordinator and all department personnel, other City Departments, Court system, clients, parents, schools, private clinicians, local, state, and federal agencies and the public.

Mathematical Ability

• Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, may require the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to operate, calibrate, tune and synchronize, and perform complex rapid adjustment on equipment, machinery, and tools such as a computer and other office machines, and/or related materials used in performing essential functions.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements such as rapid keyboard use.
• Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing five to ten pounds.
• Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

 Environmental Adaptability

• Ability to work under safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environment factors is minimal and poses a very limited risk of injury.

The City of Middletown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.