Probation Counselor I

The position is located at Stepping Stones, formerly Boys Probation House (BPH), a community-based residential group home for adolescent males ages 14 - 18 on probation that are post-dispositional court-ordered into the program or adolescent males monitored by a community-based case manager.

The Behavior Management Counselor position is a merit, full-time position with day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, 40 hours per week. Services take place primarily in the group home, followed by three months of support services provided in the assigned resident's home/community following the residential phase. The Behavior Management Counselor is responsible for providing direct supervision and counseling to all residents.

This position will be responsible for planning resident and program activities to included but not limited to the following: community service opportunities, camping trips, prosocial activities, recreational activities, cultural events, field trips, college campus tours, etc. Ensures facility operation and building safety, maintenance, and security on all assigned shifts. Ensures the health care and physical well-being of residents through appropriate disbursement of medication and administration of first aid. Operates a 15-passenger van and transports residents to a variety of community activities. Supervises and directs the daily routine of residents. Supervises the daily treatment and recreational programs that include counseling sessions, treatment and recreational programs that encompass sports, and life skills training. Ensures the physical well-being, health care, and safety of residents.

This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, etc.).

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Counseling and Treatment Services

Refers offenders/defendants to other agencies or facilities as needed and maintains liaison with service providers to coordinate evaluations;
Assesses short term goals, counsels offenders and provides opportunities for positive change;

Provides crisis intervention services;

Aids clients in obtaining employment;

Cooperates with representatives from State and local social service and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest;

Residential Services

Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs;

Ensures that residents maintain behavioral norms;

Maintains communication with a resident's probation counselor, school representative, employer, family, and significant others;

Coordinates and implements a residential program area (e.g., recreational, educational, or employment activities);

Coordinates and transports detainees between the courts, the residential detention facility or other various facilities;

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;

• Knowledge of current social and economic conditions;

• Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information;

• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work;

• Ability to interview and counsel clients;

• Ability to prepare complete case records and reports;

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Medication Management (Required within 6 months)
• ServeSafe (Required within 6 months)
• Driver's License at the time of application (As defined)
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 30 days)
• Handle With Care (Required within 30 days)

• This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
  • Criminal background investigation
  • Child Protective Services Registry check
  • Sanction screenings
  • Driving record check
  • Pre-employment medical evaluation
  • Tuberculosis test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-year college degree in Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related field

• Direct care work within a youth residential setting

• Experience in case management, service plans, and risk assessments

• Proficient in evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT

• Successful usage of Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to physically restrain acting out residents. Must be able to supervise and participate in educational and recreational activities with adolescents, this may include participating in activities, standing or sitting for a period of time. Visual and auditory acuity and the ability to communicate clearly in English in person, in written form, and on the phone. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.