Juvenile Center Director Of Treatment Services

Juvenile Center Director Of Treatment Services

The Juvenile Center Director of Treatment Services position is responsible for managing the clinical providers, counseling services, and treatment programs provided to all of the juveniles placed within the Juvenile Justice Center. The Juvenile Justice Center can house up to eighty-four (84) residents. This position requires on-call duty twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

This position reports directly to the Juvenile Center Director. This position exercises direct supervision over the following classification(s): Assistant Deputy Director / Quality Assurance, Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor, Juvenile Justice Center Assistant Supervisor, and Youth Care Worker. This position also exercises supervision over contracted therapists and case managers.

Manages all aspects of the therapeutic programs in the Detention and Treatment Programs, under the direction of the Juvenile Center Director. Serves as liaison with contracted clinical providers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Coordinate psychotropic medication management with outside psychiatrists and the facility's contracted psychiatrist. Coordinate and complete clinical assessments and testing. Assists in the management and operation of the Detention and Treatment Programs, under direction of the Juvenile Center Director and Juvenile Center Deputy Director. Responsible for program development and monitoring. Collaborates with the Deputy Director to complete intake assessments, and review treatment needs and safety and security concerns for all youth referred. Assists in making the final determination of their acceptance into a Treatment program. Collaborates with the Deputy Director to assess progress and recommends successful discharge or termination for failure to adjust. Implements treatment plans for the residents and monitors progress of such plans. Orders suicide assessments on all suspected suicidal juvenile treatment residents. Collaborates with the Deputy Director to coordinate group, individual, and family counseling sessions. Collaborates with the Deputy Director to review and approve recommendations to the Court supporting the release, transfer, or retention of delinquent youth. Ensures compliance with Department of Public Welfare regulations, Child Protective Services Law, and the Juvenile Act. Responsible for reporting of any allegations of abuse to Childline. Development, implementation, and oversight of procedures and policies. Confers with staff on behavioral and disciplinary problems. Collaborates with the Deputy Director to coordinate in-service training programs for development of Youth Care Workers. Serves as liaison with community-based organizations and the Juvenile Probation Office. Confers with judges, probation officers, police, social agencies, and community groups interpreting the institutional program, objectives, and developing cooperative working relationships. Prepares reports as required.

An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Required minimum qualifications include education and experience in criminal justice, social or behavioral sciences, psychology, education, administration, or a related field of study; at least five (5) years of professional experience working with youths with emotional, social, or legal problems; and possession of a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license with an acceptable driving record. State licensing (i.e. LSW, LCSW, LPC, etc.) is preferred, but not required.

Thorough knowledge of the regulations and operations affecting all aspects of the operation of a facility housing youths who have been alleged or adjudicated delinquent. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of institutional management. Considerable knowledge of principles and methods of supervision and administration. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the application and interpretation of departmental policies and procedures. Ability to determine and evaluate the qualifications of prospective employees in relation to the needs of the juvenile detention facility. Ability to work effectively with disturbed and delinquent youth. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, public and/or private agencies, and the general public. Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. Must possess the ability and willingness to deal with difficult situations. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

Tools and equipment include telephone or cell phone, personal computer (including word processing and job related software), calculator, fax machine, and copy machine. Physical demands include walking, sitting, talking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasionally lifting and/or moving more than 50 pounds, while physically restraining a resident. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment includes occasional exposure to outside weather conditions, hostile residents and conditions, and varying noise levels.

Selection guidelines include formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests.

Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefits which includes medical insurance, vision and prescription coverage, dental coverage, life insurance, and retirement benefits.