Community Justice Specialist (Limited Duration)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The mission of the Juvenile Community Justice department is to reduce risk, repair harm and create opportunity. The juvenile division operates the following programs: Juvenile Detention, Juvenile Field Services, including: Probation, Informal Supervision, Community Service and Juvenile Behavioral Health. We adhere to evidence-based practices in all decision making, aspire to a continuous learning and improvement culture, utilize restorative justice practices and promote structural equity for our clients, community and staff.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,200 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you'll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB

This position provides orientation and oversight for youth coming in and staying in the detention facility. Staff assist youth in making the initial adjustment to the facility or program; assist in the intake process; provides ongoing direction to youth using cognitive behavioral interventions; facilitates group and acts as a positive role model. Staff utilize trauma-informed care, equity and inclusion, de-escalation skills and safety practices to create and ensure a safe and structured environment that creates opportunity for youth to reduce risky behaviors and repair harm.

Staff may need to deal effectively with hostile, angry or confused youth, and gain their confidence and cooperation while maintaining appropriate boundaries; maintain a safe and secure environment; and recognize threats to the security of the facility. May need to physically restrain hostile and aggressive youth to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Must be able to work all shifts (day, swing and graveyard), rotating through shifts every four (4) months, while balancing and managing optimum levels of rest, wellness and physical/mental/emotional health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively engage and support youth with trauma history and emotional regulation difficulties.

• Create safe environment for staff and youth by adhering to policy and practices.

• Communicate and collaborate within a team effectively.

What You Will Bring:

Knowledge of or experience with:

• Adolescent behavior.

• Residential or correctional settings.

• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques.

Skill in:

• Entering data into computerized database programs accurately and timely.

• Facilitating conflict resolution.

• Accepting, internalizing and applying feedback.

NOTICE OF WORKING CONDITIONS:  The following list has been developed to inform applicants of the type of environment and conditions of working in the Deschutes County Juvenile facility. You must be willing to comply with all of the applicable conditions listed below to be considered for the position of Community Justice Specialist.

• Work a graveyard shift and be willing to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends and holidays on a rotation schedule if needed.

• Be required to work any shift, including Saturday and Sunday on a regular basis.

• Have no choice as to which days or shifts you work, including weekends, evenings or holidays.

• Sit or stand for long periods of time.

• Walk, stoop, bend crawl, kneel, reach, lift, grasp, talk, hear, see, and climb stairs multiple times per shift.

• Work in a room with subdued or low lighting.

• Be unable to smoke or chew tobacco at your work site at any time.

• Work within an organization designed on teamwork that functions with a structured chain of command where work is closely monitored for accuracy and consistency.

• Work at a rapid pace over which you have little control.

• Maintain intense concentration and attention for extended periods of time.

• This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.

Review the full job description by clicking HERE.$5,074.50 to $6,800.29 per month for a 173.33 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

This is a limited-duration employment position with Deschutes County as defined by Deschutes County HR Personnel Rules 2.010.  The position may be terminated by Deschutes County based upon available funding and may be terminated at any time by the County to fulfill its business needs, as determined by the sole discretion of the County. Continued employment is contingent upon continuation of specifically identified funding sources, County policies, the business needs of the County, and relevant union contract provisions concerning reductions in force. Continued employment (if separately offered) is contingent, among other factors, upon specifically identified funding sources. Should this occur, the County may at a later date extend the position or offer regular employment status to the incumbent in this position.

BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; 
• AND two (2) years college coursework in criminology, behavioral science, sociology, or related field; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• College degree in a related field.

• One (1) year of related experience.

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Possession of or ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.

Must have the ability to become JJIS and LEDS certified (a felony conviction may be disqualifying).

Candidates will be required to complete IMPACT Testing, which will be used in the selection process.