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Town of Normal, Illinois. Committed to Service Excellence.

Youth Intervention Specialist

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

The purpose of this civilian position is to intervene in the lives of youth, ages 8-13 in order to prevent or reduce the likelihood of youth progression into future criminal, delinquent or gang activity, and to foster youth accountability.  Work requires considerable independence, initiative, and judgment. The Youth Intervention Specialist maintains a caseload of clients and coordinates service efforts by various agencies and institutions. Youth may be referred to various community resources, such as school or social service agencies, and counseling. The Youth Intervention Specialist keeps caseload records and prepares summary reports.  Direct and general supervision is received from the Police Chief, or his designee, who reviews work through direct observation, reports, meetings, and results achieved.

This position is funded with a three-year grant.  While possible, future funding beyond the three years is not guaranteed at this time.

Responsibilities:

  • Screen all police reports dealing with youth contact (ages of 8-13) and work closely with School Resources Officers (SROs) to identify youth needing assistance; conducts assessments and refers youth to appropriate intervention activities;
  • Design and implement a voluntary follow-up plan for qualifying youth in an effort to prevent and control delinquent/criminal/gang behavior;
  • Maintain liaison with the Juvenile Court personnel, the Department of Children and Family Services, schools, and other agencies serving youth;
  • Develop and maintain accurate and complete client files;
  • Maintain an updated list of social services agencies and community professionals serving youth and their families;
  • Make referrals to social service agencies and community professionals when appropriate;
  • Prepare written documents that may include procedures, counseling documentation, brochures, and information bulletins for dissemination with clearly organized thoughts, using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Maintain appropriate records for program evaluation purposes; gather, analyze and evaluate statistics and other data; and prepare monthly, annual and other reports as needed.
  • Annually evaluate the Police Department’s youth intervention program effort and delinquency prevention policies, procedures and programs and recommend modifications as may be necessary.
  • Give presentations to community groups/forums/schools on the youth diversion program.
  • Operate a motor vehicle requiring an Illinois Driver’s License to give presentations, conduct interviews with parents or juveniles, or to assist with the juvenile referral process.
  • Operate a variety of standard office equipment including: a personal computer, copy machine, calculator, and facsimile machine.
  • Perform other work as required.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Considerable knowledge of delinquency prevention and diversion concepts;
  • Considerable knowledge of services of public and private agencies available to juveniles and their families;
  • Knowledge of Individual and family counseling and dynamics theories and techniques;
  • Knowledge of the criminal juvenile justice system;
  • Knowledge of State and local laws governing penal, health and safety, and civil codes;
  • Knowledge of problems and special needs for low-income youth;
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of record keeping;
  • Skill in the use of personal computers and Word, Excel, Publisher, and Access;
  • Skill in the use of statistics;
  • Skill in Spanish is preferred but not required;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to work positively and effectively with youth and families from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as well as law enforcement, school officials, and youth service providers in a team-oriented manner;
  • Ability to plan, coordinate and prioritize multiple clients and projects with community resources;
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with the public, other City department personnel, and public and private agencies;
  • Must possess a positive customer-service orientation;
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Illinois Driver’s License by hire date.

Desirable Experience and Training:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree;
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or an LCPC (Psychology –Based) certification;
  • Relevant experience in responsible counseling or other social service delivery employment, involving youth and their families.

Compensation:

  • Minimum starting salary of $42,194 annually;
  •  Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Section 457k and 125 Salary Reduction Plans; Health and Dental Plan;
  • Strong wellness initiatives and 24/7 fitness center;
  • Other benefits.

Application/Selection Process:

  • Apply on-line Town of Normal application on line or through the Town’s Human Resources Department. Complete and return application to Human Resources by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008.
  • Town staff will review and select those applicants that best match the Town’s needs.
  • The selection process will include a comprehensive panel interview and other testing determined by Town staff.
  • Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph and driving record are required.

This page last modified 05/15/08.