Juvenile Correctional Counselor II

  • Sonoma County, CA
  • Santa Rosa, California
  • Mar 05, 2024
Full Time CORRECTIONS Human and Social Services Legal Services Probation
  • Salary: 75,157 USD

Job Description

Position Information

Join the County of Sonoma Probation Department as a Juvenile Correctional Counselor II. Multiple positions are open!

Starting salary up to $43.76/hour ($91,332/year) and a competitive total compensation package!* Plus a $15,000 signing bonus^

The Probation Department invites you to watch their video that highlights the work they do within the community we serve:

Probation Full-Length Video (English)

Probation Full-Length Video (Spanish)

Note, t o be considered for this position you must have:

  • Six (6) months of experience as a group or youth counselor or other experience related to counseling or case management of troubled youth; and
  • One (1) year of full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to Juvenile Correctional Counselor I; and
  • Achieved a passing score on the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Adult Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Probation Officer Classifications for Local Corrections

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
^Hiring Incentives

The Probation Department is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service. Other incentives which may be offered, if applicable, include:

  • Advanced paid vacation and/or sick leave (up to 24 hours per leave type)
  • Relocation reimbursement of up to $5,000
About the Position

In the Sonoma County Probation Department , Juvenile Correctional Counselor IIs (JCC IIs) work collaboratively with staff, supervisors, directors and oversee and direct the activities of residents detained in Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp. They maintain the safety and security of facilities and provide supervision, care, and guidance to residents. Additionally, JCC IIs:

  • Facilitate Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
  • Use Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based practices
  • Mentor, counsel, and use crisis intervention skills and/or make necessary referrals
  • Follow Title 15 regulations and county/department policies and procedures
  • Document resident behavior and other necessary information
  • Perform data entry into justice system databases
  • Use de-escalation techniques and/or engage in the use of force, when necessary
The most successful JCC II candidates will bring a passion for helping and serving others and:

  • Knowledge and experience working with evidence-based programming practices/concepts
  • Experience working with marginalized populations and strong cultural competency in working with residents from diverse backgrounds/ethnicities
  • The ability to problem-solve complex scenarios
  • Rapport-building skills to develop quality interpersonal relationships with youth
  • An effective, professional communication style and strong writing skills
When you join the County of Sonoma, you'll have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county - its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities. Please visit www.sonomacountyconnections.org and www.santarosachamber.com for additional information about the community.

Effective 5/8/23, individuals who possess United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien, OR have the legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law, will be considered to meet the citizenship minimum standards for this position.

*Salary is negotiable. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association's Memorandum Of Understanding (SCLEA MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple Juvenile Correctional Counselor II positions in the Probation Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified C ounty employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include completion of twelve semester units at an accredited college in criminology, administration of justice, child development, sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance, child psychology or a closely related field. AND Six months experience as a group or youth counselor or other experience related to counseling or case management of troubled youth AND one year full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to Juvenile Correctional Counselor I with the County of Sonoma.

Additional Requirements: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029 - 1031, and the California Corrections Standards Authority, Title 15, Section 131, Minimum Standards for Selection, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (if a permanent resident alien has not obtained citizenship within three years after application for employment or is denied citizenship, he/she will be disqualified for peace officer status); have no prior felony conviction nor be under current formal probation supervision; and achieved a passing score on the California Corrections Standards Authority Juvenile Correctional Counselor written exam, or equivalent prior to appointment.

Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete an in-depth background investigation, including a psychological evaluation, finger printing, criminal history check, and a medical examination, including physical agilities testing.

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: sociology, behavioral and social psychology, criminal justice, police science, counseling and guidance, behavioral and related sciences; relationship to personality development; behavior patterns, motivation and group and family dynamics; psychological, sociological, behavioral cultural factors as they relate to dealing with delinquent minors. Typical youth behavior patterns and methods of guidance, counseling and controlling to modify behavioral patterns; personal hygiene techniques and methods utilized in instructing youths; recreation activities commonly enjoyed by youths, child abuse laws; departmental policies, regulations and functions; food preparation and service to youths; basic first aid and CPR.

Ability to: effectively communicate orally and in writing, listen actively; read and comprehend instructions and standards, apply them to a variety of situations; make and record detailed observations. Write descriptive narratives, including incident or detention observation reports; exercise good judgment and adopt effective courses of action in emergency situations. Relate to a wide variety of individuals from varied socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and experiences. Establish and maintain appropriate relationships with delinquent youths; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co- workers, supervisors, health and social service providers, family, law enforcement officers, other County Departments; coach, train, and/or mentor entry level staff.

Apply basic first aid to youths and staff, effectively control youths; staff may assist youth in developing personal hygiene skills and provide recreation where appropriate for youths; supervise and direct groups of youths during work, meal and leisure time activities; work different shifts and on weekends and holidays; restrain youths for the safety and protection of themselves and others, physically subdue and restrain violent or fighting youths as well as defend against attacking youths; apprehend detention facility escapees in the line of duty; ability to work in a stressful environment.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

It is the policy of law enforcement and legal offices and departments, in the County of Sonoma, that candidates complete a thorough background investigation process prior to employment. This policy is imperative in order to keep the department’s employees and the public safe and to maintain high standards in the law enforcement community. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

The background investigation will include a thorough assessment of a candidate’s personal, employment, educational, criminal, and credit history. The investigation may include but is not necessarily limited to: the use of prescription and/or other drugs, reports from former employers, friends, family members, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, credit reports, court reports, public records search, and/or other relevant sources. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment.

All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include drug testing as part of the medical examination for all applicants and for all current employees who are offered employment with the Offices/Departments. Additionally, candidates may be required to take a pre-employment psychological examination. The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate for review. Failure to pass the background investigation will eliminate a candidate from the employment process. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgment and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate’s past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior, and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: AK
HR Technician: KK

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution towards the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit.For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU).A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Base Pay

75,157

Job Address

Santa Rosa, California United States View Map