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Employment Opportunities
The Berrien County Juvenile Center is a 24 hour facility. Available positions are listed on the official Job Postings (PDF). If you are interested in any available positions, please fill out an official application.
Click on each of the types of positions below to see their job descriptions and qualification requirements.
Temporary Youth Specialist ($16.49/hr.)
Note: This is a temporary, part-time position working a maximum of 1,000 hours per calendar year. There are no benefits.
Required: Thirty semester or forty-five quarter hours of college education, which includes three semester or four quarter hours of psychology.
Duties: The Temporary Youth Specialist works as an on-call employee to fill temporary vacancies in the fulltime Youth Specialist schedule. Participates in supervising and reporting on programs. The duties stated are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person so classified and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
Youth Specialist I ($34,903-$46,775.00)
Required: A combination of qualifying experience and training may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement. The Court reserves the right to make the final judgment about what constitutes an appropriate combination of education, experience and training by an applicant.
Requirements: Thirty semester or forty-five quarter hours of college education which includes three semester or four quarter hours of Psychology.
Desired: Bachelor's Degree in human services and relevant experience in the juvenile justice field.
Duties: Under the direction of an assigned Juvenile Center Supervisor, provides direct services that emphasize safety, security and quality programs for juveniles in a community based treatment environment and/or detention services placement; provides active leadership, coaching, crisis intervention, positive role-modeling and activities planning for assigned juveniles; intensely monitors the juveniles and facility to maintain optimal security; closely observes juvenile behavior providing positive reinforcement, corrective discipline or verbal/physical restraint when appropriate; is expected to prepare all required written reports, files, logs, etc. in a professional and timely manner; provides for the overall care and welfare of juveniles and the facility, including basic health and hygiene, food service, laundry, housekeeping, etc.; works a schedule that may include weekends, holidays, evening or overnight hours
Youth Specialist II ($37,731)
Required: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, criminal justice, psychology, or related social services field. Previous minimum of three months experience in social services or juvenile direct care. Preference will be given to those with previous experience working with delinquent or emotionally troubled youth and/or families, which may have been in an intern or volunteer capacity.
Note: Applicants that do not meet the minimum requirements for Youth Specialist II but have at least thirty semester or forty-five quarter hours of college education, which includes three semester or four quarter hours of psychology may qualify for Youth Specialist ($34,302).
Special Requirements: Must submit fingerprints and may be subjected to criminal record, character, reputation, mental health and moral character screening and clearance before employment. Must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license. Must have open availability to work any shift and work flexible hours including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as required. Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance is required. Physical Requirements: This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Duties: Under the supervision of the Berrien County Juvenile Center Director, provides for the safety, security, and well-being for residents, visitors, and staff within the detention facility. Supervises, guides, and counsels residents through daily activities within the framework of the residential and educational programs. Works closely and communicates effectively to ensure program effectiveness, staff accountability, professional personnel performance, problem solving matters and other issues impacting the Juvenile Center. Intervenes when necessary in crisis situations in accordance with policy and procedure guidelines for physical and mechanical restraints, room confinements, or other appropriate action. Operates and monitor electronic security and communication equipment including control panel, intercom, computers, visual monitors, electronic doors, room sound detectors, and alarms. Monitors weather alert system. The duties stated are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person so classified and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
Juvenile Center Assistant Supervisor ($42,259)
Required: A Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences or related field, or 60 semester hours of college credit with a minimum of two years of paid, fulltime experience working with juvenile delinquents or adult offenders in the justice field, or with clients in the social service/mental health fields.
Special Requirements: The Juvenile Center Assistant Supervisor may be required to work weekends and holidays >or be on call as scheduled; may also be required to fill in for other supervisory vacancies as needed; may be required to provide after hours, weekend and holiday assistance to police agencies, the Juvenile Center, Court and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Desired: Coursework in Criminal Justice, Corrections, or Administration; supervisory experience in the field of juvenile or residential treatment facilities; knowledge of computer application in the justice system.
Duties: Supervises the work of Juvenile Center Group Leaders, Youth Specialists, substitutes, or unpaid personnel on assigned shifts; participates in the selection, training, discipline and evaluation of center employees, volunteers or interns. Distribute or ensure staff distributes medications to residents as prescribed, implement medical treatment plans as ordered, and process resident medical complaints. Maintain optimal security and programming in the facility by monitoring the facility security camera system and communication system. Arrange and supervise >transportation for residents to and from home, court, hospital, dentist, doctor, etc. Assist the Juvenile Center Supervisor on the shift as needed or requested. Provide direct and immediate feedback or corrective discipline to childcare staff; ensure the implementation and documentation of emergency procedures by staff as required. Ensure that behavior management system guidelines are strictly followed. Monitor and/or coordinate all resident population movement within the facility and necessary security precautions are followed. Serve as the designated person in charge of the facility in the absence of the Juvenile Center Supervisor, Assistant Director or Director. Other duties as assigned. The duties stated are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person so classified and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
Supervisor ($52,412.00 - $70,236.00 per year)
Requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a Human Service field and a minimum of three years of professional experience in a juvenile facility, child caring institution, child placing agency, criminal justice agency, social service agency, school or mental health facility. Or a Master’s Degree in a Human Service field and one year of professional experience in a juvenile facility, child caring institution, child placing agency, criminal justice agency, social service agency, school or mental health facility.
Duties: Under the supervision of the Berrien County Juvenile Center Director, and the Clinical and Treatment Services Manager, serves as Supervisor for an assigned Juvenile Center shift, unit, or program component. The Juvenile Center Supervisor assist in planning, organizing, directing program operations, supervising staff in case processing functions, case flow management, file management, program evaluation and supervision. Participates in the selection, training, evaluation and discipline of Center personnel, volunteers and interns as assigned. The Juvenile Center Supervisor may be delegated the primary responsibility for managing one or more of the Center programs or services dependent upon the shift assigned. The Juvenile Center Supervisors assists with coordinating and monitoring effective community-based and institutional-based prevention and/or rehabilitation programs. The Juvenile Center Supervisor is expected to ensure and document continuous compliance with Michigan Administrative Rules and nationally recognized standards relating to Juvenile Center operations. Duties are carried out in accordance with the Courts’ statutory purpose as well as all Court, County and Juvenile Center Policies and Procedures.
CLINICAL AND TREATMENT SERVICES MANAGER
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:
Registered with the State of Michigan as one of the following is required: Certified Social Worker or Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIIONS:
Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate mental/behavioral health discipline and at least two (2) years paid professional experience that includes providing direct mental health services and supervising programs and staff.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge and application of the following: family systems theory, behavioral therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy theory, family therapies theory, child development and it’s application in treatment, social skills assessment and intervention, mental health issues and interventions in juvenile detention, juvenile correctional facilities or treatment programs. Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and lead a team of mental health professionals.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of the Juvenile Center Director, serves as the Manager responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, supervising and evaluating all aspects of the clinical and treatment services provided to Juvenile Center residents and their families. The Clinical and Treatment Services Manager has direct supervisory responsibility for child care personnel, counselors, clinical staff, case managers, community supervision, personnel and supervisory level employees as assigned. The Clinical and Treatment Services Manager provides emergency crisis intervention with emotionally disturbed, acting out residents as well as ongoing counseling and therapy in accordance with individual treatment plans. This position also provides intensive family therapy as required. The Clinical and Treatment Services Manager provides in-service training and consultation for Juvenile Center staff as needed or assigned. This position conducts mental health evaluations and/or assessments for Juvenile Center residents or other Court Wards as assigned and submits all reports in a timely manner. The Clinical and Treatment Services Manager serves in a liaison role with local and state mental health agencies and coordinates the provision of special mental health/counseling services for Juvenile Center residents by outside providers. The Clinical and Treatment Services Manager may be required to work weekends and holidays or be on call as scheduled. This position is expected to ensure and document continuous compliance with all applicable American Correctional Association Accreditation Standards and Michigan Administrative Rules. Duties are carried out in accordance with the Courts’ statutory
REINTEGRATION FAMILY & SERVICES COORDINATOR
REQUIREMENTS:
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director or assigned Juvenile Center Supervisor, the Reintegration and Family Services Coordinator is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive reintegration service plan for youth in out of home placements. In addition, this position is responsible for providing intensive family counseling and parent education services for the parents of assigned youth. The Reintegration and Family Services Coordinator is responsible for providing family support services as well as community supervision and counseling services for youth released from out of home placements. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate case files and all required reports regarding the Reintegration and Family Services Program. This position is required to participate in Team Meetings, staffings, case reviews, Court Hearings, etc., as assigned. Reintegration Services are implemented based upon Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators (CJCA) Performance Based Standards for Juvenile Correction and Detention Facilities. Duties are carried out in accordance with the Courts’ statutory purpose as well as Court, County, and Juvenile Center Policies and Procedures. The Reintegration and Family Services Coordinator position is a member of the General Employees Unit of AFSCME, Council 25, Local 2757.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Counseling or related field.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge and experience in family counseling, techniques and programs. Knowledge and experience in Residential Treatment / Corrections and Detention Programs. Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing effective Reintegration Programs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Part time Cook ($13.24/hr.)
Note: This is a temporary, part-time position working a maximum of 1,000 hours per calendar year. There are no benefits.
Required: Completion of the eighth grade is required. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Previous experience in commercial or institutional food preparation is preferred.
Duties: The temporary cook works as an on-call, temporary employee to fill scheduled or emergency vacancies within the facility Food Service Department. Under the direction of a designated Juvenile Center supervisor, the temporary cook is responsible for preparing and serving palatable meals according to recipes and the established menus. The duties stated are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person so classified and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
FOOD SERVICE COORDINATOR
REQUIREMENTS: A high School diploma or equivalent is required. Additional coursework in food preparation or nutrition if preferred. A minimum of two years experience in commercial or institutional food preparation, including supervisory experience is required.
DUTIES: Under general supervision, oversees the Food Service Department which includes the planning and monitoring of staff duties and schedules, food and supplies requisitioning, menu planning, meal preparation and the maintenance of sanitary and hygienic conditions required by the Heath Department Standards. Serves as lead worker.