Community Specialist - Richland County

Full Job Description

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:

Entry 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.

Provide 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 duties as assigned, required, or requested.

Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in social science or its equivalent.

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 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.

Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in social science or its equivalent. Experience in strength-based case management, work with community-based programs, intake, probation, parole, intensive case management, criminal justice, or equivalent related experience.

Additional Information

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.

Sign-On Bonus: Agencies may give sign-on bonuses to individuals recruited to critical needs jobs at the beginning of their employment with the agency.

Bonuses cannot be offered or given to employees moving from other agencies by transfer, promotion or demotion. Sign-on bonuses are limited to one per employee, per year.