About the Position
Lane County Youth Services is accepting applications for an entry-level team-focused Juvenile Group Worker professional to support the safety, security, and evidence-informed care of youth in custody. We value a positive workplace environment that fosters a growth mindset, resilience, and strong emotional intelligence. We follow Performance-based standards with a focus on data-driven continuous improvement.
About the Division
The Lane County Youth Services (LCYS) Detention Unit includes a 10-bed secure intake unit, 16-bed secure stabilization unit, 16-bed secure behavioral-focused unit (for a total of 42 beds) and operates 7-days-a-week, with a 24-hour schedule, serving youth 12-19 years of age. Juvenile Group Workers are responsible for the supervision, safety, security, guidance, and general care of youth in custody. This position supports youth in custody with opportunities for growth in positive identity and self-regulation, and stabilization of behavior, and provides the supervision and direction of daily activities for youth in custody, including encouraging personal hygiene and providing meals, education services, recreational groups, service plan implementation, competency and skills groups, and leisure activities. Juvenile Group Workers manage complex behaviors and use verbal and physical skills to de-escalate volatile situations and respond to crisis situations which may include physical intervention or restraint of youth with violent or dysregulated behavior. This position follows established procedures and best practices for the safety, security, and daily care of youth pursuant to statute and the Oregon Detention Guidelines.
The Youth Services Division operates 24/7, has approximately 65 full-time staff, six program units, and is located in three different buildings on the John Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene, Oregon. The division is comprised of the following units:
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Administration: Division planning and management, data, grants administration, information systems, and administrative support.
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Juvenile Department: Screening, assessment, diversion, and probation services.
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Detention: 10-bed secure intake unit, 16-bed secure stabilization unit, and 16-bed behavioral-focused unit serving youth ages 12-19, including youth being held on adult criminal charges, and health services (medical, dental, mental health, and psychiatric) for youth.
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Clinical Services: Clinical outpatient, closed-custody crisis and stabilization support, psychiatric and MAT support, and youth and family skills support.
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Martin Luther King (MLK) Education Center: A collaboration between the division and Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). Services provided include alternative school for high-risk, adjudicated, community youth; education for youth in Detention and Phoenix Treatment; horticulture and culinary arts vocational programs; and community service and restitution crews for youth.
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Nutrition Services: Provides approximately 30,000 meals and snacks per year to youth housed in Detention and youth in school and on vocational crews at and through the MLK Education Center.
The work of the division is complex and covers multiple, diverse subject matter areas, governed by multiple regulatory bodies and requiring specialized knowledge. The division is deeply focused on cultivating a positive workplace culture and addressing long standing structural and cultural deficits. If you are driven to improve the lives of justice-involved youth and their families, please join us in this important work.
Schedule: Schedule for this position is varied as the division operates 24/7. Applicants must be willing to work ANY shift, including mandatory extended shifts, weekends, and holidays.
*This is an LCPOA represented position*
QUALIFICATIONS:
Training:
Experience:
- One year of experience working with youth in a residential setting is desirable.
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Preferred experience:
- Experience working with youth or young adults in a correctional, treatment, educational, or care giving setting or working with youth or young adults in a community setting providing coaching, guidance, mentoring, or support in recreational activities, skills or competency-based activities, cultural connection, or self-enrichment activities (such as music, art, physical exercise, brain health education, independent living, or vocational training).
- Experience working with at-risk youth or young adults with criminogenic behavior is preferred but not required.
Notes:
- This position is subject to a full criminal information record check.
- Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.
- Possession of, or obtain within 60 days of hire, a current CPR and Basic First Aid certification.
DRIVER’S LICENSE:
- Must be in possession of a valid Oregon driver's license at time of application and as a requirement of ongoing employment.
Special Requirements:
- YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD A RESUME FOR THIS POSITION. IF NOT ATTACHED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
- Attach a Resume (required): Attach the PDF document to the on-line application. Be sure to explain in detail, including dates, all related work experience, paid or unpaid that demonstrates how you meet minimum qualifications.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
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CLASSIFICATION DETAILS:
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Selection Process
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader) focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Trauma Informed Care Statement
Trauma-informed care is an approach used to engage people with histories of trauma. It recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people’s lives. Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals.
Lane County is committed to providing services using Trauma Informed Care practices. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently, or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.