DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES

Code: 01651 Local 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 the direction, initiates, develops and administers programs for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency; advises members of the Police Department on treatment of juveniles within its jurisdiction; initiates and continues an ongoing program of public relations to solicit the good will and enlist the aid of the citizens of the jurisdiction to combat juvenile delinquency; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Collects and analyzes juvenile delinquency data.
• Identifies youth service needs and special youth programs and services.
• Develops and implements programs designed to reduce juvenile delinquency.
• Establishes contact with home, school and community agencies.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with community planning groups, social service agencies, health agencies, welfare agencies, recreation and other youth agencies.
• Maintains liaison with juvenile court, probation departments, parole authorities and law enforcement agencies.
• Establishes juvenile intake procedures with law enforcement authorities.
• Recommends diagnostic and remedial services.
• Develops and maintains a referral network of agencies and resources providing youth services programs.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Provides individual and group counseling.
• Establishes and maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Education, Guidance, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology or Social Work.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience working with or developing programs addressing the needs of at-risk youth and their families, in schools, in the juvenile justice system, in other youth-serving agencies or the community-at-large, three (3) of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the social, emotional and other problems of juveniles.
• Knowledge of the causes of delinquent behavior in juveniles.
• Knowledge of interview and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data.
• Knowledge of the types of programs and services needed for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.
• Ability to develop and maintain a referral network of programs and services.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
• Ability to provide counseling services.
• Ability to gather and analyze data.
• Ability to identify youth service needs.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability 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, and 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 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.

A Master's degree in Education, Guidance, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology or Social Work may substitute for one (1) year of the non-supervisory experience.