Juvenile Counselor - Split Shift - Lake County, IL : Job Details

Salary: $25.21 HourlyLocation : Vernon Hills, ILJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 01426Department: 19th Judicial Circuit CourtOpening Date: 12/01/2024Closing Date: Continuous General DescriptionJuvenile Counselors are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all residents and employees in the Hulse Juvenile Detention Center and FACE-IT Residential Program. It is a direct care position that entails supervising a group of residents throughout the day. The Juvenile Counselor will monitor and address the behavior of residents and offer support and guidance while using evidence-based practices to increase motivation to behavior change. Becoming a Juvenile Counselor for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Hulse Detention Center, would allow you to be involved with restorative justice solutions for court-involved youth. Your day will consist of handling routine and crisis situations and observing and recording behavior patterns.Watch our video here! Hours of Work

• The position requires shift work consisting of working weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and overtime.
• Shift Differential Pay for Applicable Shifts
• 15 Paid Holidays

Essential Functions

• Monitor up to 24 residents
• Lead group discussions
• Facilitate Physical Education
• Data entry which includes writing incident, room time, and court reports.
• Use verbal de-escalation skills during crisis situations
• Conduct searches of minors
• Follow and enforce the rules of the facility using natural and logical consequences.
• Influence behavior change through cognitive-behavioral strategies including evidence-based practices such as Effective Practices in Community Settings (EPICS-II)
• Monitor residents during hygiene activities as well as completing nightly room searches.
• Perform building searches
• Conduct transports of residents to appointments, court hearings, etc.
• Conduct routine safety checks while residents are in their rooms
• Perform physical holds using Handle with Care
• Assist with court hearings
• Assist other units within Juvenile Probation and Detention Services including admissions and releases, setting up meals, etc.
• Other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Collaboration skills while working in a team environment
• Strong communication skills
• Data entry skills
• Ability to lead projects and activities such as Arts & Crafts, Physical Education etc.
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to lead up to 24 residents in programming
• Working knowledge of adolescent development, behavioral psychology, and modern correctional practices.
• Ability to effectively problem solve
• Ability to implement techniques learned in training to work in a residential setting

Physical Requirements

• Ability to restrain juveniles once properly trained
• Requires light to medium work involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 25 pounds of force on a regular basis, and moderate dexterity in operating machinery, tools, or office equipment
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, in a car, and working on a computer

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)

• Candidates in their Senior year at a university preferably with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or related social services.
• Knowledge of adolescent growth, development, behavioral psychology, and good knowledge of modern correction practices; possess the ability to effectively problem solve and have the ability to work both individually and in a team atmosphere.
• Preferred Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field
• Experience working with youth in a residential or community setting preferred
• Requires employment eligibility certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts Link:
• Extensive criminal background check, possession of a valid driver's license, and supplemented by a satisfactory driving record, required

Supplemental Information Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Visit our page for additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening and drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at