COUNSELOR ADOLESCENT UNIT

Code: 01385@ Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction assists with therapeutic programs for socially, mentally, and/or physically maladjusted adolescents by counseling and helping them to deal effectively with their problems, and may assist in a remedial teaching program or tutor students; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Observes, listens to, and counsels adolescents to determine their problems and to assist them in dealing effectively with such problems.
• Counsels residents individually and/or in groups.
• Conducts short term individual counseling sessions in crisis situations.
• Assists in carrying out therapeutic residential plans including personal hygiene, music therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy.
• Assists adolescents in a behavior modification program.
• Performs field work such as attending court, taking adolescents on field trips, and visiting agencies to gather information.
• Attends meetings to discuss problems and progress of individual adolescents.
• Assists teachers by giving remedial lessons and tutoring adolescents in subjects where needed
• Writes necessary reports.
• Maintains security within the facility.
• Maintains necessary records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Education, or related field.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of adolescent behavior and adolescent behavior problems.
• Knowledge of therapeutic programs involving socially, mentally, and/or physically maladjusted adolescents.
• Knowledge of individual and group counseling.
• Knowledge of psychological terminology.
• Knowledge of behavior modification and the standards and procedures involved in remedial teaching.
• Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret problems pertinent to the work involved.
• Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates.
• Ability to observe and report physical and emotional conditions of adolescents.
• Ability to work with a variety of types of adolescents.
• Ability to read and understand information on reports.
• Ability to write reports.
• Ability to conduct initial interviews.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.