5B21
PAY RANGE: 40
(Bilingual)
(General)
This is youth custody and counseling work at the trainee level. An employee in this class is expected to complete a training program, receiving instructions and developing experience in the principles, practices, procedures, and application of juvenile detention methods and techniques. Employees work in a youth detention facility and perform increasingly complicated duties under the instruction of higher-level detention personnel. Work involves conducting individual and group counseling sessions, establishing a rapport with detained youth, and monitoring security in both living and program areas.
Employees are required to regularly observe the interaction and behavior of youth who are engaged in various daily activities. Employees in this class may provide physical intervention and restraint to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy living environment. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level detention supervisor.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
• The position must be responsible for actively participating in classroom and on-the-job training curriculum in preparation for promotion within the Youth Detention Counselor series.
• The position must be responsible for monitoring security among detained youths and conducting individual group counseling sessions.
• The position must be located at the City's youth detention facility.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Participates in a training program to maintain security and discipline in the City's youth detention facility; engages in classroom and on-the-job training in learning the principles, practices, procedures and applications of youth detention methods and techniques; reads a variety of assigned literature and reports on juvenile delinquency, particularly as it applies to youth detention, as part of training work; accompanies higher level youth detention personnel who are overseeing residents within an assigned area of the detention facility; observes work operations and techniques and methods utilized by other detention personnel in counseling and custody work.
Participates in a wide range of counseling activities under the guidance of higher level detention personnel; performs such work as escorting residents throughout the facility, assisting in maintaining order at assigned locations, and providing a limited amount guidance and counseling to youths; rewards appropriate behavior as part of an established behavior modification system; participates in a training program to maintain security when transporting residents; receives on-the-job training and observes full performance detention counselors engaged in receiving, recording searching and processing residents into the facility population; receives instructions in the operation of various electronic and computerized equipment used to record resident information.
Performs increasingly more complex and varied work while progressing in the training program in order to achieve competency and promote to the next higher position in the class series.
Performs related work as required.
Performs the duties described above with members of the English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking populations.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• behavior patterns which are symptoms of illness or emotional stress in youths
• group work principles and methods as they apply to delinquent youths
• the social factors which result in institutionalization of youths and the attitudes and habits of youths in custody or protective care
ABILITY TO:
• learn the principles, practices and methods of group dynamics
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• learn the attitudes and group habits of juveniles in custody
• learn and enforce a wide variety of detention facility rules, regulations and disciplinary measures with firmness and impartiality
• learn the health and safety precautions associated with working in a youth detention center
• supervise the activities of residents in assigned tasks
• speak, read, and write fluently in a specified non-English language, and the English language, for the Bilingual Specialty
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents and associates
• act quickly and calmly in an emergency
· maintain professional boundaries regarding appropriate behaviors
· engage in positive activities that build self-esteem and encourage participation in
therapeutic programs
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/24.)
OPTION 1:
EDUCATION
Completion of at least 60 credit hours of study at an accredited college or university.
OPTION 2:
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience working directly with children in programs with juvenile offenders, corrections, law enforcement, residential and/or congregate care settings, residential treatment facilities, and/or inpatient behavioral/mental health programs.
NOTE: Effective October 11, 2022 for candidates approved under Option 2 of the minimum requirements, employment is contingent upon a waiver granted under PA Code, Chapter 3800 CHILD RESIDENTIAL AND DAY TREATMENT FACILITIES in addition to other required background checks and clearances.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education determined to be acceptable to the Office of Human Resources.
BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and a designated non-English language.
NOTE: Child Protective Service Law requires FBI criminal history background check as well as the Pennsylvania State Police criminal history background check and Pennsylvania child abuse background check as a condition of initial employment to the class and during tenure of employment.
NOTE: If the FBI/Pennsylvania State Police criminal background checks reveal the existence of a disqualifying offense, additional documentation must be submitted as required by the City of Philadelphia to determine eligibility for appointment to or continued employment in the class under the Child Protective Services Law.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's licenses issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure as an employee in this class and series.
CSC - 11/96
Ad. Board - 3/97
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 7/02
Ad. Board - 9/02
Spec. Revision:
CSC – 08/19
Ad. Board – 09/19
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 10/21
Ad. Board – 11/21
Spec. Revision:
CSC – 10/22
Ad. Board – 11/22
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC – 3/24
Ad. Board – 4/24
JA