CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Work Therapy Specialist
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
DEPARTMENT: Probation Services
REPORTS TO: Juvenile Probation Supervisor
PAY GRADE: A3
WORK SCHEDULE: Varied
DISTINGUISHING JOB CHARACTERISTICS
Supervises juvenile probationers in work therapy groups to promote development of a work ethic and other values to elevate self-esteem and self worth.
“In this position, you are an At-Will Employee serving at the pleasure of the Administrative Judge.”
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons, covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.
Work Therapy Groups provide disengaged youth an opportunity to develop social skills, work experience, self-sufficiency, problem solving skills, and connectedness to the community. These groups are interactive and take a “hands on” approach. The groups consist of five youths at an established worksite in the community to complete a variety of tasks which include: preparing and serving meals to people who are in homeless shelters; walking and cleaning dogs at the local animal shelter; delivering medical equipment to people with physical disabilities; provide lawn care services to seniors; cleaning parks, schools, and designated areas in the community; and participating in community service projects. The staff member who manages and oversees these work therapy groups is referred to as the Work Therapy Specialist. The position requires picking up participants from home and transporting clients back home after group.
Enhances relationship process by involving juvenile offenders in recreational, cultural and educational activities aligned at elevating self-esteem.
Keeps probation staff apprised of work group performances and noticeable emotional or physical conditions in the youth’s lives. Assists in any case work responsibilities under direction of probation staff.
Writes daily reports of activities conducted, youths involved, youth behavior, progress and other pertinent and required information.
Attends activities outside of normal work schedule with youth such as biathlons, runs, holiday parties, talent shows, and other programming activities.
Provides personal counseling of youth on work therapy groups.
Work Therapy Specialist duties include: carrying and lifting over 50 lbs., driving county vans and truck, writing daily reports for each group & activity, inputting reports into JCS, collect urinalysis samples, driving daily, facilitating Forward Thinking and other educational programs, assisting with special events and activities, reporting abuse, making referrals, dealing with crisis situations, restraining, encouraged to complete CPR and First AID training, attend require trainings, engage in physical activities such playing sports, coach sporting teams, organize activities and events, attend weekly staff meeting, public speaking, and interacting with clients and their families.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SCOPE OF SUPERVISION
Supervise up to 5 youth at time on Work therapy Groups.
EQUIPMENT OPERATED
Vehicles, rakes, shovels; dolly; fax machine, copier, telephone, and other general office equipment; computer.
CONTACTS WITH OTHERS
Elderly persons; persons who are mentally challenged; homeless persons; battered women; local social service agencies; local churches; humane society.
CONFIDENTIAL DATA
Youth’s case jackets; information on youth’s cases.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Good working conditions when working in the office. When working in the field, employee is exposed to conditions within client’s homes and high crime areas. Possible exposure to risk of injury from physical assault. Occasional exposure to inclement weather.
USUAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The following physical demands are typically exhibited by position incumbents performing this job’s essential duties and responsibilities. These physical demands are not, and should not be construed to be job qualification standards, but are illustrated to help the employer, employee and/or applicant identify tasks where reasonable accommodations may need to be made when an otherwise qualified person is unable to perform the job’s essential duties because of an ADA disability.
While performing duties of this job, the employee frequently stands, walks, and performs physical activity for periods of time when demonstrating work methods, and performing other job responsibilities. The employee may also sit for extended periods. Employee converses verbally with others in person and by telephone. Vision demands includes normal vision requirements.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: juvenile legal system; youth issues; basic human behavior and psychology.
Ability to: maintain good public relations as Court representative; establish and maintain effective work relationships with associates and job contacts; establish rapport with juveniles of various social and economic backgrounds; work with resistant clients; maintain confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information; empathize and relate to clients.
Skill in: counseling and coaching; listening; building relationships with kids.
QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma/GED, a minimum of (1) year experience working with youth in troubled situations (Preferred.
Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
