Nature & Scope of Work
This position is a professional counseling position at the Edmund L.
Thomas Adolescent Center within the Erie County Office of Children
Procedure to Apply
Position Details
and Youth and reports directly to the Program Director. Juvenile
Counselors accept work assignments in the Detention Center Program
or the Dependent Shelter Program. The primary responsibility of the
Juvenile Counselor is to provide for the care, supervision and security
of the adolescents and children residing at the Center.
Duties & Responsibilities
Conducts interviews to gather information essential to the assessment
and intervention for each individual child. Includes contacts with the
child, family members and collateral contacts such as the Children
and Youth caseworkers, Juvenile Probation officers, mental health
professionals and various other clinicians pertinent to case
management. Knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of Human
Services 3800 regulations. Ensure that programmatic standards meet
or exceed these expectations. Provides counseling to residents and
their families to aid them in achieving a more satisfactory adjustment to
their program situations. Monitors family visitation. Monitors special
needs of the residents. Assesses physical stamina, strength and
coordination of the child. Monitors for problems common and/or unique
to disturbed adolescents and children, such as insomnia, enuresis,
encopresis, anorexia, bulimia, etc. Arrange for emergency medical care
when necessary. May include direct provision of CPR and First Aid as
indicated. Participates in daily outdoor and indoor physical fitness
programs for the residents. Conducts individual and group counseling.
Prepares group discussion topics and procedures. Maintains positive
community involvement and relationships. Applies appropriate
disciplinary action when necessary. Reviews expectations with
residents. Clarifies consequences of inappropriate behavior.
Encourages development of more pro-social behavior through the use
of shaping techniques and established behavior modification
programs. Prepares residents for appointments such as Court
hearings and psychological testing. Clarifies expectations. Assures
that child is available for release. Supervises all activities of the
residents. Monitors youth separated from the group. Assures their
safety and security as well as their emotional well-being. Monitors all
residents during the night hours. Organizes and assigns residents
chores. Supervises their completion. Prepares daily observation
reports. Records child’s adjustment to each aspect of the program.
Records child’s interaction with peers, staff and visitors. Records any
specific emotional/social problems noted during the shift. Maintains
confidentiality of records. Exercises appropriate professional discretion
in sharing information orally regarding clients. Participates in meetings
for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment planning. Attends relevant
in-service and other training. Reads available books, journals and
other literature regarding children and adolescent development,
emotional disorders and treatment. Works closely with other social
agencies, Courts and community resources. Attends staff meetings.
Performs other related duties as required. PLEASE NOTE: This is parttime, intermittent (non-permanent) work with no benefits. Employees
serving in this capacity receive calls for first shift, second shift, third
shift, evening, weekend and holiday hours. By indicating your
availability for this position, you are indicating that you are available to
work such hours if called.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
1.Must have a Valid Driver’s License
2. Minimum of 1 year Experience Working with Adolescents and a
Bachelor’s Degree in the Behavioral Sciences or an Associate’s Degree
or 60 College Credits
Condition of Employment
All new hires in the Department of Human Services are required to
provide and are subject to Pennsylvania Criminal and Child Abuse
Clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance. Applicants are
required to submit an Authorization for Release of Information for
Purposes of Driving History Check