Juvenile Detention Transition Services Coordinator and Youth Mentor

Summary

The Juvenile Detention Transition Services Coordinator is responsible for providing case management and transition plans for the youth and families involved in the Juvenile Justice system. The position will create individual transition plans for each youth housed in detention and coordinate care with the Juvenile Detention Center, Juvenile Court Services, schools, families, and other stakeholders as needed.

The person in this position mentors youth involved in Juvenile Court Services as the Youth Mentor. The mentor provides positive adult support, builds rapport, advocates for the youth, focuses on goal setting, and arranges prosocial outings for mentees.

Work is performed in a standard office environment and in and around court facilities; the role may involve sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting objects up to 35 pounds, with occasional exposure to potentially combative behaviors.

• Follow policies, procedures, and protocols as a member of the Juvenile Detention Center.
• Work closely with Island County Juvenile Detention staff, Detention School staff, and Island County Juvenile Probation staff.
• Effectively interview, prepare transition plans, determine course of action, and evaluate individual progress for youth in detention.
• Manage each individual transition plan, both pre- and post‑release, working with youth, families, probation, and schools to determine and assign tasks toward implementation of the action plan.
• Document all contacts, including face‑to‑face interactions, collateral and networking contacts, and correspondence, and maintain case records in accordance with standards and requirements.
• Provide follow‑up services for up to one‑month post‑release.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Mentor youth involved with Juvenile Court Services, including those in probation, the At‑Risk Youth (ARY) program, the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) program, and Truancy.
• Organize and attend Mentorship Group prosocial outings.
• Attend public events, service club meetings, and other public functions to promote and gain community connections for the mentoring program.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the position.

• Ability to develop new programming.
• Ability and willingness to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a professional manner.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with others for gathering and relating information.
• Knowledge of basic interviewing, diagnostic, and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of child development theory and principles of effective parenting.
• Understand the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports.
• Independent and self‑motivated to meet required deadlines while handling other tasks.
• Time management and organization skills.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with the Juvenile Justice System.

• Ability to successfully complete various required training classes and obtain certificates necessary for functional skill performance, maintenance, and improvement.
• Valid Driver's License.

• High School diploma or GED and experience as described below:
  • Lived experience as defined as previous involvement with the criminal legal system and/or a current or previous recipient of behavioral health services.
  • Volunteer or employment experience working with youth.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field, or any combination of education, training and experience that fulfills the desired qualifications. Previous experience working with youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system preferred.

Island…