DIVISION

Court Support Services

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for receiving on the job training in providing classification and counseling services for juvenile detainees.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the close supervision of the Juvenile Detention Superintendent or other employee of higher grade.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives training in conducting formal classification, program placement interviews and assessments of all juvenile detainees; reviews intake information reports on each detainee prepared by Juvenile Detention Officers; administers and receives training in the utilization and interpretation of standardized assessment instruments for the purpose of properly classifying each juvenile detainee; meets with each detainee to assess behavioral problems, substance abuse history, suicide risk, violent tendencies, family situation, health and hygiene risk, potential for discharge from detention to alternative programming, etc.; assists in making classification decisions regarding housing and program assignments; contacts home school districts to obtain necessary information and records; conducts initial review of the detainee's educational needs with teaching staff; refers detainees to the responsible school district's planning and placement team and may attend team meetings; in conjunction with teaching staff assigned to the detention center, monitors each child's educational progress and may make referrals for testing or evaluation; assists in developing and presenting programs concerning substance abuse, health, hygiene, violence avoidance, family dynamics, recreation, etc. for detainees; receives training in providing group and individual counseling; makes referrals to medical and mental health professionals; may assists in investigating and responding to complaints from detainees; assists in coordinating the development of discharge plans and alternative placements with court and probation officers and other agencies; may attend detention hearings; prepares reports and correspondence; may exercise physical control over detainees; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of child psychology and development; knowledge of the various social, psychological, economic, and emotional factors influencing the behavior and attitudes of children; knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of counseling; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; computer skills; ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

A Bachelor's degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive detainees; may be exposed to communicable diseases.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1) Incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license. 2) A criminal record investigation will be conducted for all candidates. 3) Incumbents may be required to pass a physical examination.