Community Specialist - Charleston County

Job Responsibilities

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

MISSION:

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

JOB PURPOSE:

Experienced level specialist position that provides case management coordination services to include assessment, interviewing, planning, monitoring, advocacy, direct supervision, and intervention of youth referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves as the primary case manager for youth referred to DJJ through diversion, intake, probation, or parole supervision.

Interviews juveniles, family members and any service providers servicing the youth to assess juveniles' level of functioning, strengths, and needs.

Monitors juvenile for compliance with court orders.

Provides alternatives to incarceration through the use of graduated responses and STAP.

Serves as on-call agent on rotation.

Provides a comprehensive plan of supervision for the assigned youth to include diversion, intake, probation, or parole.

Develops a comprehensive needs-based case management plan.

Advocates on behalf of youth and families to ensure appropriate, timely and consistent services.

Conducts assessments for services and living arrangements for youth re-entry to the community.

Maintains case file to include JJMS data entry and uploading documents.

Promotes restorative justice practices to address the repair of harm/compensation to victims and communities.

Prepares reports, forms, and participates in various meetings.

Participates in job related training and workshops for professional development.

Conducts other related job duties as assigned, required or requested.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or related field.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of federal/state laws and regulations pertaining to juvenile offenders and the juvenile justice system.

Knowledge of the objective, techniques, and practices of juvenile justice intake/probation functions.

Knowledge of fact-gathering methods and interviewing techniques.

Ability to develop, enhance, and work with community collaborative initiatives.

Ability to organize and maintain a case load.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to facilitate and broker services for juveniles, their families, and victims.

Ability to utilize a wide range of graduated responses.

Must be proficient in Microsoft and other MS applications.

This position will report to a Community Services Supervisor or County Director. Annually scheduled performance review: information conferences as required or requested.

Works independently or in a group with some discretion when needed.

Self-starter capable of operating under limited supervision.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Some overnight travel for training as needed.

Must be able to drive and travel throughout the state.

Must be able to physically lift up to 25 lbs.

Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position. Salary may vary depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates must present documentation of their attainment of a college degree(s) at the time of the interview.

Documentation must be an official or unofficial copy of the college transcript or a Letter of Verification of Degree from the institution's Registrar's Office. If the candidate selected for the position provided an unofficial copy, it must be replaced with an official copy on or before the HR processing date.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Experience in strength-based case management, work with community-based programs, intake, probation, parole, intensive case management, criminal justice or equivalent related experience.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Health, dental, and life insurance

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days of sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs

• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing date.

You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. A resume may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.