Diversion Specialist - Juvenile Probation Department

• New Hires Hourly Starting Rate -$29.11
• 35 Hours Per Week

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Diversion Specialist oversees all youth referred to the Summary Diversion and Community Youth Aid Panel programs. This is a specialized position that requires the employee to understand the importance of diversion as it relates to the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES). The employee will be required to have a basic understanding of the processes of the Juvenile Probation Office and the work completed by Juvenile Probation Officers but will not be required to perform such functions. The Diversion Specialist oversees all Summary Diversion and Community Youth Aid Panel processes. This includes oversight of volunteers on Community Youth Aid Panels and youth referred to both the Summary Diversion and the Community Youth Aid Panel programs. The goal of the Diversion Specialist is to facilitate the successful completion of youth involved in the Summary Diversion and Community Youth Aid Panel programs, providing an expeditious alternative to traditional case processing. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Oversee the Community Youth Aid Panel process through attendance at all assigned panel meetings, which are generally 9-12 evenings per month.
• Schedule for non-panel days would be 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
• Schedule for panel days would be 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
• Contact juveniles and families for entrance into the Summary Diversion Program, helps facilitate appropriate obligations, and oversees completion of the obligations. 
• Assist intake officers in transferring appropriate cases to the Community Youth Aid Panel. 
• Supervise Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers and assist in maintaining up-to-date clearances. 
• Maintain volunteer records in the volunteer case management system. 
• Contact victims upon receipt of referral. Resolves restitution claims and collaborates with Victim/Witness Coordinators as needed to determine restitution figures. 
• Notify juveniles and families, victims, panelists, and police of scheduled Community Youth Aid Panel meetings and maintain schedule. 
• Maintain the volunteer information line. 
• Assist in development of Summary Diversion, Community Youth Aid Panel and other prevention or diversion programming deemed appropriate. 
• Assist in the recruitment of Community Youth Aid Panel volunteers.
• Assist in interviewing and checking references for potential volunteers. 
• Assist in training new volunteers and police officers and providing yearly update trainings to existing volunteers and police liaisons. 
• Assist in the planning and implementation of special events, including the Volunteer Recognition Banquet. 
• Create and maintain files of all referred juveniles. 
• Enter all new cases into PaJCMS.
• Expunge the cases of all juveniles who have successfully completed diversion programming. 
• Collaborate with police departments and community-based providers as needed to increase diversion efforts. 
• Assist in gathering and submitting yearly program outcomes. 
• Attend statewide meetings and other functions as needed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• While an Associate’s degree may be acceptable, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Social Science is preferred, with at least 18 credits in behavioral and/or social sciences.
• One year of experience in the criminal justice field, with an emphasis on criminal, court, legal practice, or a social service agency.
• Prior customer service experience with an emphasis on heavy contact with both the general public and all levels of professionals, both face-to-face and by telephone
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license and the ability to use own vehicle for employment purposes.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Some working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigations, supervision, and reporting in probation as well as the benefits of diversion. 
• The ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, agencies, and the public.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior as it pertains to delinquency, family dynamics, relationships, peer pressure, and drug and alcohol issues.
• The ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the youth, victim, and community.
• Basic skills in the operation of computer software applications.
• The ability and willingness to work several evenings per week as required by the panel schedules.
• Public speaking skills.
• A valid Driver’s License and the ability to use own vehicle for employment purposes.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to complete Defensive Tactics as required of an office-bound employee.

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

At times stressful given the workload and nature of the clientele.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal cubicles and individual office environment. Work is primarily performed during regular business hours; however, evening or weekend work may be required. The position may require working in moderately noisy to loud environments, including cubicles and communal workspaces, and participating in frequent collaborative team meetings. The work environment may include a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and interactions with employees, the public, and other stakeholders. 

Requires travel to meetings with juveniles/volunteers in community-based Community Youth Aid Panel meetings and training locations around Berks County. Occasional travel outside of Berks County for trainings/meetings.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.