Juvenile Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of youth support and rehabilitation, the role of a juvenile counselor is more critical than ever.

Society is continuously evolving, and with each development, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and protect our younger generation increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a juvenile counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of juvenile counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable juvenile counselor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Juvenile Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Counselors work with adolescents who are in the juvenile justice system, providing guidance, support, and advocating for their rights and welfare.

They focus on helping young people address behavioral issues and make positive life changes.

The duties and responsibilities of a Juvenile Counselor include:

• Evaluating the needs and behaviors of juveniles through interviews, assessments, and observations
• Developing and implementing treatment plans targeted at addressing behavioral issues and promoting personal growth
• Providing individual and group counseling sessions to help juveniles cope with issues such as anger, addiction, abuse, or mental health disorders
• Collaborating with social workers, psychologists, probation officers, and other professionals in addressing the needs of juveniles
• Documenting and maintaining records of juveniles’ progress, behaviors, and interactions
• Developing and maintaining relationships with family members, care givers, or guardians to support the juvenile’s progress
• Advocating for juveniles during court proceedings, school meetings, or other situations
• Providing crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed
• Educating and providing resources to juveniles and their families on issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and life skills

 

Juvenile Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Juvenile Counselor to work with young people experiencing behavioral, emotional, or social difficulties.

The Juvenile Counselor’s responsibilities will include developing treatment plans, conducting individual and group therapy sessions, and assisting juveniles in making positive changes in their lives.

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent communication and listening skills, a deep understanding of adolescent psychology and the ability to manage crises and conflicts.

Ultimately, the Juvenile Counselor will play a pivotal role in helping young individuals navigate their challenges and move towards a healthier, more productive future.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing the psychological needs of juveniles and developing treatment plans
• Conducting individual and group therapy sessions
• Collaborating with other professionals such as social workers, probation officers, and teachers
• Maintaining case files and reports to track clients’ progress
• Teaching juveniles coping mechanisms to manage their behavior
• Assisting juveniles in developing social skills and positive relationships
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Referring clients to other supportive services such as psychiatric care or educational programs

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Counselor, Therapist, or similar role with juveniles
• Knowledge of adolescent psychology and counseling techniques
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Ability to handle crises and conflicts
• Strong ethics, with an ability to maintain confidentiality and respect clients’ rights
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
• Current and valid state licensure for counseling

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Counselor
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based but may include visits to schools, juvenile detention centers, and clients’ homes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Counseling Department Manager or Clinical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Juvenile Counselor Do?

Juvenile Counselors often work for governmental bodies, non-profit organizations or in private practice, specializing in working with children and adolescents who are in conflict with the law or are exhibiting behavioral problems.

Their main role is to provide counseling and support to these young people, helping them to understand and manage their emotions and behaviors, and to make positive changes in their lives.

They use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy.

Juvenile Counselors also conduct assessments to determine the needs and risk levels of the juveniles they work with.

They then create individualized treatment plans aimed at addressing these needs and reducing risk.

In addition to their therapeutic work, Juvenile Counselors often serve as advocates for their clients.

This can involve liaising with schools, social services, and the criminal justice system on behalf of the juvenile.

They also provide crisis intervention when needed, and may be involved in teaching life skills, such as anger management and conflict resolution.

Furthermore, Juvenile Counselors maintain detailed records and reports on each client’s progress and participate in case reviews and meetings with other professionals involved in the care of the juvenile.

 

Juvenile Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Juvenile Counselor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong understanding of child psychology and development to better understand the issues faced by juveniles.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with the juveniles, their families, and other professionals in the field.
• Conflict resolution skills to handle and mediate disputes in a calm and effective manner.
• Ability to empathize and build relationships with the juveniles to gain their trust and respect.
• Patience and resilience to deal with challenging situations and complex cases.
• Problem-solving skills to help juveniles find solutions to their issues and guide them towards constructive behavior.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques and theories to provide effective counseling sessions.
• Understanding of ethical and legal aspects of counseling to ensure that all activities are conducted within these parameters.
• Crisis management abilities to handle urgent and sensitive matters with care and efficiency.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other professionals such as teachers, social workers, and probation officers.

 

Juvenile Counselor Experience Requirements

Juvenile Counselors typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or a related field to get started, but the professional experience is a significant factor that employers look for.

Entry-level juvenile counselors may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles at social service agencies, youth counseling centers, or juvenile correction facilities.

This initial experience provides an understanding of the juvenile justice system and child development, which is crucial in this role.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are often expected to have developed their counseling skills, often through direct work with adolescents in a professional setting.

They may have also gained experience in implementing treatment plans and coordinating with other social services.

Those with over 5 years of experience are generally considered experienced juvenile counselors.

They often have a deeper understanding of juvenile behavior management, crisis intervention, and legal regulations related to juvenile justice.

This level of experience may also include supervising or training less experienced counselors or leading group therapy sessions.

Advanced roles may require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field along with substantial experience in the juvenile justice system.

Such roles often require demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to design and implement comprehensive treatment programs.

 

Juvenile Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Juvenile Counselors typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

Their education must provide them with a strong foundation in counseling theories and techniques, human behavior and development, social environments, and legal and ethical aspects of counseling.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in counseling or psychology with a focus on children and adolescents.

This advanced degree often includes supervised fieldwork or an internship.

In many states, Juvenile Counselors must be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but often include a master’s degree, a specific number of hours of supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on a state-recognized exam.

Certifications like the National Certified Counselor (NCC) or the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) can be advantageous and may offer more job opportunities.

Continuing education is often required to maintain licensure and certification, demonstrating a counselor’s commitment to staying updated with the latest practices and developments in the field.

 

Juvenile Counselor Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Counselor typically earns an average salary of $45,300 (USD) per year.

The salary may change depending on factors such as level of experience, educational background, and geographical location.

 

Juvenile Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a juvenile counselor need?

A juvenile counselor needs strong communication and interpersonal skills as they interact with juveniles and their families regularly.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills to help their clients overcome challenges.

Good understanding of child psychology and behavior management techniques is essential.

They should also have a high degree of patience, empathy, and resilience to deal with emotionally taxing situations.

 

Do juvenile counselors need a degree?

Yes, juvenile counselors need a degree.

They typically must have a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

To provide more specialized services, they might also require a master’s degree and professional licensure.

Additional certifications in areas like adolescent psychology or substance abuse counseling may also be required or beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a juvenile counselor resume?

When looking at a juvenile counselor’s resume, check for their educational background in a relevant field.

They should have a license or certification in counseling.

Experience working with juveniles, particularly in a counseling role, is also crucial.

Any additional skills, such as crisis management or behavioral therapy, can be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good juvenile counselor?

A good juvenile counselor is empathetic and has a genuine interest in helping at-risk youth.

They should be patient and understanding, as change often happens gradually.

Good counselors possess excellent listening skills and are able to build trust with their clients.

They should be flexible and adaptable, as they may need to alter their approach depending on the individual’s needs.

 

What are the daily duties of a juvenile counselor?

A typical day for a juvenile counselor may involve meeting with juveniles one-on-one for counseling sessions, creating and implementing behavior modification programs, writing reports on juveniles’ progress, and communicating with parents, teachers, or other professionals involved in the juvenile’s life.

They may also provide crisis intervention as needed.

The counselor may also participate in court proceedings, advocating for the juvenile’s best interest.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve thrown light on the true essence of being a juvenile counselor.

Can you guess?

It’s not just about giving advice.

It’s about shaping the future generation, one conversation at a time.

With our reliable juvenile counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your roadmap to crafting detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every conversation with a young person is a step towards a better future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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