DIRECTOR JUVENILE FAMILY CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM

Code: 06123 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 direction, plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities of a unit engaged in providing counseling, guidance or referral assistance to juveniles and their families; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Directs and oversees the daily activities of the crisis intervention unit.
• Establishes and maintains a liaison and working relationship with other agencies providing emergency services to juveniles in distress as well as their families.
• Establishes work schedules to ensure adequate staff coverage.
• Provides instruction and supervision to staff.
• Develops public relations program in order to inform the public of the functions, goals and objectives of the unit.
• Compiles trend analysis data in order to determine long term staffing needs.
• Establishes and maintains a network of services and agencies to which referrals can be made by the unit's counseling staff.
• Provides training and assistance to staff as appropriate.
• Monitors and evaluates the conduct of counselor activities at periodic intervals and determines staff training needs.
• Receives referrals from a variety of sources for crisis intervention.
• Provides crisis intervention data and other information as requested to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
• Establishes and maintains a monitoring and evaluation plan and schedule for all referrals to contracted agencies necessary for the effective conduct of juvenile/family counseling or therapy.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• May perform the duties and functions of a Counselor, Juvenile-Family crises Intervention as necessary.
• 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 a mental health, social or behavioral science discipline such as social work, counseling, counseling psychology, mental health or education.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in working with troubled youth and their families, two (2) 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 the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the techniques used to counsel individuals exhibiting emotional or behavioral problems.
• Knowledge of the crisis counseling methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of community services and agencies likely needed for juvenile-family crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of the family court system as it is applied to juveniles and their families.
• Knowledge of the emotional, social and other problems which contribute to juvenile delinquency.
• Knowledge of the signs of child abuse or neglect.
• Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information.
• Ability to assess crisis situations involving youth and families.
• Ability to provide guidance and counseling.
• Ability to conduct family assessments and diagnostic procedures on an emergency basis to alleviate a possible crisis.
• Ability to listen, observe, communicate, interview, understand, confront, engage in mutual problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work directly with parents, families, and children on a crisis intervention and on-going services basis.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
• Ability to establish and monitor a plan intended to improve family crisis situations.
• Ability to gather, organize and analyze information.
• Ability to plan and direct the activities of workers and to communicate effectively with them concerning juvenile/family crisis intervention activities.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to prepare work schedules, reports, and budgets and maintain records and files.
• Ability to give assignments and instructions to assigned employees and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to conduct on-site visits and interviews.
• Ability to establish effective therapeutic relationships with clients.
• 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Possession of a Master's degree in mental health, social or behavioral science discipline such as social work, counseling, counseling psychology, mental health or education may be substituted for two (2) years of non-supervisory experience.