Resource Center Specialist (PM Shift)

The Resource Center Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Assessment Services/Reporting Services Coordinator, will be responsible for both Reporting Services and Assessment Services, depending upon daily staffing levels and identified operational need. The Specialist has three primary areas of responsibility:

1. Direct service, transportation, supervision, mentoring and intervention to youth participating in the Reporting Services programming; and
2. Receive and process police reports or charges from all County law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, diverting as many cases as appropriate from official/formal filing through the Fairfield County Prosecutor’s office and handling the other reports unofficially. Additionally, the Specialist will receive referrals from the Community track (community agencies, Prosecutor, parent/guardian, etc.) and establish a plan with that family to link them with resources to divert them from future Court involvement. This position will maintain a caseload of diverted and informal cases. Maintain office duties by reviewing cases, drug screens (if applicable), and paperwork for detention, unruly walk-in complaints, police arrests, and other forms of intakes.   
3. Case management assignments/coverage for Court program areas including Court Services, Diversion, and Courtroom Security.

Schedule:  

2-10 pm*, M-F

* Regular hours to begin after training period of up to 6 months has been successfully completed. Hours during training period are 12-8 p.m. M-F.

• Conduct screening interviews with youth, caregivers, and collaterals using motivational interviewing techniques. 
• Assess juvenile’s risk to recidivate through use of the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS) and behavioral health screening tools. 
• Prepare and provide written referrals, actions plan, contracts, and/or case plans, depending on program area.        
• Maintain supervision of diverted or Court services youth’s case plan/contract through at least weekly contact by phone calls, field visits and home visits.
• Prepare files and contact parties regarding appointments. 
• Provide non-secure facility-based supervision.
• Provide community-based educational, recreational, or skill development activities for Reporting Services participants (tutoring, IL, cognitive interventions, etc.).
• Maintain professional relationships with families, schools, law enforcement and other local agencies.
• Participate in all necessary trainings. 
• Required to attend all Court hearings and submit written progress reports to the Court as appropriate.
• Transport youth to correctional facilities and residential settings, along with transporting youth to community settings and groups. 
• Ability to explain information and concepts clearly and concisely with confidence. 
• Exhibits professionalism with peers, being a positive role model. 
• Coordinate services through service providers in the community. Has knowledge of community resources and ability to connect families to those resources. 
• Complete any duties as assigned by the Judge or leadership officials.
• Interface with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies, schools, mental health providers, and other service providers.
• Have knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code section pertaining to juvenile procedures and the procedures of the Fairfield County Juvenile Court.
• Have precise knowledge of the child’s home and living conditions.
• Have precise knowledge of the child’s school behavior and performance. (Communicate with school officials on a regular basis.)
• Keep case notes updated in Court’s database system on each case and have those available for the Assessment Services/Reporting Services Director when on vacation, leave, or at the request of the Coordinator, the Deputy Director, the Magistrate, or the Judge.
• Perform duties not specified within this job description when instructed by leadership.
• Demonstrates regular and reliable attendance.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s Degree preferred) in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work or a related field or five years relevant experience in a juvenile justice setting
• Ability to work with difficult people, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proficient computer skills.

Resource Center Specialist will be thoroughly committed to building community capacity for juvenile justice reform and prioritizing family and community-driven reform. Resource Center Specialist will possess the following characteristics: 

1. Ability to connect with and provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, and culturally and linguistically competent support to families
2. Understanding of the juvenile justice system and its processes; understanding of other systems including education, mental health, child welfare, etc. 
3. Ability to maintain professionalism while interfacing with both system employees court staff and community stakeholders
4. Experience providing peer coaching and support to families either in a formal paid capacity, or informally as volunteers
5. Ability to maintain the confidentiality, dignity, and respect for all families navigating the juvenile justice system
6. Display reasonable and sound judgment including in times of crisis
7. Willingness to promote positive youth development model, resiliency, other Court-endorsed models, and race equity throughout Court programs