Juvenile Justice Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era increasingly focused on youth rehabilitation, the role of juvenile justice counselors has become more crucial than ever.

As our society continues to evolve, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can guide, mentor, and protect our young offenders grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of juvenile justice counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable juvenile justice counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Juvenile Justice Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Justice Counselors work with adolescents who have committed crimes and aim to help them reintegrate into society.

Their role involves providing therapy, creating rehabilitation plans, and connecting youths with resources that can help them avoid reoffending.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the needs and risks of young offenders through interviews and assessments
• Developing individualized treatment plans and setting goals for each juvenile
• Implementing behavioral management strategies and therapeutic interventions
• Facilitating individual, group, and family therapy sessions
• Coordinating with other professionals, such as social workers, probation officers, and educators
• Monitoring and documenting juveniles’ progress towards their treatment goals
• Providing crisis intervention services and addressing immediate needs as they arise
• Preparing court reports and advocating for juveniles during court proceedings
• Educating juveniles and their families about legal processes and community resources
• Conducting follow-up services and reintegration support for juveniles transitioning back into the community

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Juvenile Justice Counselor to guide and support juveniles within the justice system.

The responsibilities include assessing the needs of juveniles, developing individualized treatment plans, providing counseling services, and monitoring progress.

Our ideal candidate should be well-versed in relevant laws and regulations, have a deep understanding of behavioral disorders and treatment modalities, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ultimately, the Juvenile Justice Counselor’s role is to promote the personal growth and development of juveniles to help them reintegrate into society.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs and risk levels of juveniles
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide counseling services individually or in a group setting
• Monitor and document juveniles’ progress and behavior
• Collaborate with other professionals such as psychologists, probation officers, and social workers
• Prepare and present reports on juveniles’ progress
• Provide guidance and support to juveniles’ families
• Advocate for juveniles’ rights and needs
• Maintain confidentiality of records

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Juvenile Justice Counselor or similar role in social services
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures related to juvenile justice
• Understanding of behavioral disorders and treatment approaches
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and manage conflicts
• Demonstrated skills in report writing and record keeping
• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Justice Counselor
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for home visits or court appearances. Some after-hours and weekend work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Juvenile Services or Supervising Counselor.
• 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 Justice Counselor Do?

Juvenile Justice Counselors work primarily within the juvenile justice system.

They work with young people who have been convicted of crimes or are in danger of becoming involved in criminal behavior.

The primary role of a Juvenile Justice Counselor is to guide and rehabilitate the young individuals under their care.

They do this through a combination of counseling, education, and mentoring.

These counselors work closely with the juveniles to understand their backgrounds, challenges, and triggers that might lead to criminal behavior.

They then develop individualized treatment plans that can help these young people make positive changes in their lives.

Juvenile Justice Counselors may also provide group therapy sessions, facilitate family meetings, and conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress.

They often act as liaisons between the juvenile, their family, the courts, and other social service agencies, advocating for the juvenile’s best interests.

In addition, they are usually responsible for documenting and reporting on the juvenile’s progress to the court system.

Juvenile Justice Counselors play a crucial role in helping young people navigate the justice system, improve their behavior, and build a more positive future.

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Juvenile Justice Counselor should have a range of skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the role, such as:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport and build trust with troubled juveniles and their families.
• Strong knowledge of the juvenile justice system and laws pertaining to youth crime.
• Exceptional communication skills to interact with juveniles, their families, court officials, and other stakeholders.
• Conflict resolution and crisis management skills to handle situations where juveniles may become aggressive or uncooperative.
• Empathy and patience to deal with juveniles who may be dealing with trauma and require additional support.
• Problem-solving skills to help juveniles find solutions to their problems and reduce recidivism.
• Understanding of psychology and behavioral science to analyze the behavior of juveniles and devise suitable treatment plans.
• Ability to maintain detailed reports and case files, demonstrating excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in counseling or working with troubled youth is often required.

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Experience Requirements

Juvenile Justice Counselors typically require a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field.

This education offers valuable theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the fundamentals of juvenile justice and counseling.

Many aspiring Juvenile Justice Counselors gain their initial experience through internships or practicum placements during their undergraduate studies.

This hands-on experience in the field of juvenile justice or counseling, under the supervision of experienced professionals, is highly valuable.

For entry-level positions, employers may require at least 1 to 2 years of experience working with juveniles in a counseling or case management role.

This experience can often be obtained through positions in social services, schools, rehabilitation programs, or community outreach programs.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually preferred and might have more advanced knowledge and skills.

They may have specialized experience in areas like crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, or family mediation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be equipped for senior or supervisory roles.

These professionals often have a strong track record of working with juveniles and their families, coordinating services with other agencies, and supervising lower-level counselors or case managers.

Advanced degrees or certifications in counseling or social work could also enhance their qualifications.

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Juvenile Justice Counselors usually hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a related field.

Their education often focuses on understanding human behavior, social systems, and legal frameworks.

Courses in counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and juvenile justice are particularly beneficial.

Many positions require a master’s degree in social work, counseling, or psychology, especially for those who wish to advance to supervisory roles.

Counselors must be licensed to practice in most states, which typically involves fulfilling supervised work requirements and passing a state-administered exam.

Additionally, Juvenile Justice Counselors often undertake specialized training in areas such as substance abuse counseling, trauma response, or crisis intervention.

To enhance their skills and credibility, many counselors pursue certification from professional organizations such as the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors or the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Continued professional development is essential in this field, due to the evolving nature of juvenile justice laws and the constant advancement in therapeutic techniques.

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Justice Counselor earns an average salary of $46,872 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the counselor’s level of experience, their educational background, and the state in which they are employed.

 

Juvenile Justice Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills are necessary for a Juvenile Justice Counselor?

Juvenile Justice Counselors should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with young people.

They need a high level of patience, empathy, and resilience to handle difficult situations.

These professionals should also have a good understanding of juvenile law, psychology, and sociology.

Knowledge of intervention strategies and crisis management is also critical in this role.

 

What qualifications are needed to become a Juvenile Justice Counselor?

Most Juvenile Justice Counselor positions require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field.

Some may require a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

Additionally, some states may require certification or licensure to practice in this field.

Practical experience working with juveniles in a counseling or social work setting can be highly beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Juvenile Justice Counselor resume?

In a resume, look for a relevant educational background, such as degrees in social work, psychology, or criminal justice.

Experience working with youth, particularly those in difficult situations, is critical.

Any certifications or licenses related to counseling, social work, or juvenile justice are also advantageous.

Additional qualities to look for may include strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and empathy.

 

What qualities make a good Juvenile Justice Counselor?

A good Juvenile Justice Counselor is empathetic, patient, and resilient.

They need to build trusting relationships with young people, often in challenging circumstances.

They should be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively, and be resourceful in finding solutions to complex problems.

Good counselors also stay updated on changes in juvenile laws and best practices in youth counseling.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Juvenile Justice Counselor?

It can be challenging to hire a Juvenile Justice Counselor due to the specific skill set and emotional resilience required for the job.

The job entails working with troubled youth, which can be emotionally taxing.

Therefore, finding candidates who are not only qualified but also have the dedication and resilience to handle the job’s challenges can be a difficult task.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken an insightful look at what it genuinely entails to be a juvenile justice counselor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about enforcing discipline.

It’s about molding the future, one counseling session at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive juvenile justice counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every counseling session contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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