Juvenile Offenders Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s evolving society, the focus on Juvenile Offenders Counselors has never been more crucial.

Societal challenges advance, and with each hurdle, the demand for compassionate and skilled professionals who can guide, rehabilitate, and safeguard our troubled youth escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a Juvenile Offenders Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or merely captivated by the intricacies of juvenile offenders counseling,

You’ve arrived at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Juvenile Offenders Counselor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Offenders Counselors work with young people who have committed crimes, aiming to support their rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

They undertake a range of tasks to support these individuals, from conducting assessments to providing therapy and counseling.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Juvenile Offenders Counselor include:

• Conducting assessments of juvenile offenders to understand their background, crime history, and personal characteristics
• Designing and implementing personalized rehabilitation programs to address each offender’s specific needs
• Providing individual and group counseling sessions to help offenders understand the consequences of their actions and promote personal growth
• Communicating regularly with family members, legal representatives, and community services to ensure comprehensive support for the offender
• Providing crisis intervention as needed, and helping offenders develop coping strategies for stress and emotional difficulties
• Documenting all interactions and progress in detailed reports, and updating these as necessary
• Collaborating with educational institutions to ensure juvenile offenders continue their education
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legal regulations and ethical guidelines related to juvenile justice
• Participating in court hearings to provide professional recommendations and updates on offenders’ progress

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Juvenile Offenders Counselor to provide guidance and support to young individuals involved in the justice system.

This position entails working closely with juvenile offenders, their families, and other community resources with the goal of reintegration and prevention of future offending.

Juvenile Offenders Counselors are responsible for conducting assessments, creating case plans, and providing counseling services.

The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of the juvenile justice system, the ability to build trust with youths, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine the needs and risks of juvenile offenders
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions
• Work closely with family members, schools, and community resources
• Document and maintain accurate case files
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Assist with court proceedings and provide reports when required
• Follow all confidentiality and privacy regulations
• Provide crisis intervention services when needed
• Participate in ongoing professional development

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field
• State licensure as a counselor or social worker
• Experience working with juveniles, preferably in a correctional or rehabilitative setting
• Strong understanding of the juvenile justice system
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations with professionalism and empathy
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Commitment to advocating for at-risk youth

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Continuing education allowance
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Offenders Counselor
• Work Environment: Primarily office-based, with occasional visits to clients’ homes, schools, and courtrooms. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Counseling Services Supervisor
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 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 Offenders Counselor Do?

Juvenile Offenders Counselors work primarily within the juvenile justice system and various social service agencies.

Their primary role is to provide counseling and rehabilitative services to young people who have been convicted of crimes.

These professionals work one-on-one with juvenile offenders, providing them with guidance, support, and resources they need to make better decisions and lead a more productive life.

They assess the needs and risks of young offenders through interviews, psychological evaluations, and consultation with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and teachers.

They then develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs.

Juvenile Offenders Counselors also conduct therapy sessions and other rehabilitative programs, addressing issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and behavioral problems.

They may use various therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.

They play a crucial role in preparing reports for court proceedings, providing recommendations regarding the offender’s treatment progress, potential risks, and readiness for community reintegration.

In addition, they often work closely with the offenders’ families, providing them with support and advice on how to best help their children overcome their challenges.

They also maintain contact with schools and employers to ensure the young offenders are complying with their rehabilitation programs.

Lastly, Juvenile Offenders Counselors advocate for their clients, liaising with other service providers, community organizations, and government agencies to secure necessary resources and services.

They also contribute to policy and program development, aiming to improve the juvenile justice system and the services provided to young offenders.

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A Juvenile Offenders Counselor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Exceptional understanding of juvenile law, rehabilitative methods and the juvenile justice system to effectively guide and counsel clients.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with clients, build trust, and facilitate open and honest dialogues.
• Proficiency in behavior management techniques and conflict resolution to address potential issues and promote positive behavioral changes.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and relate to the struggles that juvenile offenders are going through.
• Patience and resilience to work with clients who may be resistant to change, facing challenging life circumstances.
• Problem-solving skills to help juveniles navigate through their issues and find constructive solutions.
• Knowledge in psychological and sociological aspects to better understand the background of each individual case.
• Crisis intervention skills to manage situations that may pose immediate danger to the juvenile or others.
• Excellent organizational skills to maintain records, prepare reports and schedule counseling sessions effectively.

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Experience Requirements

Juvenile Offenders Counselors typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field as a minimum requirement.

Relevant coursework provides theoretical knowledge and understanding of the juvenile justice system, child development, and counseling techniques.

Practical experience can be gained through internships or practicum placements during the course of study.

This hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals will greatly aid in developing the necessary skills for this challenging role.

At the entry-level, candidates may have 1-2 years of experience, often through roles such as Case Manager Assistant, Social Work Intern, or similar roles in juvenile justice or social work settings.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have worked in roles such as Case Manager, Probation Officer, or Youth Counselor, gaining experience in working directly with juvenile offenders and developing strategies for their reformation and rehabilitation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have experience in leadership roles such as Supervising Counselor or Team Leader, demonstrating their ability to manage a team of counselors, liaise with legal and educational entities, and shape the institution’s counseling programs.

Additional beneficial experience may include specialized training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and therapeutic techniques for adolescents.

Continuing education or a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work can also enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Juvenile Offenders Counselors typically possess a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.

Besides their degree, counselors working with juvenile offenders need a thorough understanding of the juvenile justice system and a strong foundation in adolescent psychology.

Therefore, specific coursework or training in these areas can be beneficial.

In many states, Juvenile Offenders Counselors must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

This typically involves completing supervised fieldwork, passing an examination, and meeting continuing education requirements to maintain the license.

Many positions may prefer or require candidates to have a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.

A graduate degree provides a more in-depth understanding of counseling techniques, and legal and ethical issues relevant to the field.

Moreover, gaining experience by working in juvenile detention centers, probation offices, or social service agencies can be beneficial.

It helps develop the necessary skills to manage and guide juvenile offenders effectively.

Continued education through workshops, seminars, and advanced courses is also crucial as it keeps the counselor updated with new treatment methods and changes in legislation and policies that directly impact their work.

Some counselors may choose to obtain specialty certification, such as Certified Juvenile Justice Counselor, to demonstrate expertise in the field and enhance their career opportunities.

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Offenders Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $56,500 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as the counselor’s experience, level of education, location, and the specific organization that they work for.

 

Juvenile Offenders Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Juvenile Offenders Counselor need?

Juvenile Offenders Counselors need to have strong communication and active listening skills to effectively understand and address their clients’ issues.

They should also have a deep understanding of psychological theories and techniques, the ability to maintain patient confidentiality and exhibit empathy and compassion.

Experience with crisis management can also be beneficial.

 

What qualifications does a Juvenile Offenders Counselor need?

A Juvenile Offenders Counselor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

They must also have proper licensing or certification, which varies by state.

Internship or work experience in counseling, particularly with youth or in a correctional setting, is often desired.

 

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

Look for a degree in a relevant field like social work, psychology, or counseling.

Certifications or licenses relevant to counseling should also be noted.

Previous experience working with juveniles, particularly those in the justice system, is a strong indicator of suitability for the role.

Also, check for evidence of strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to ethical practice.

 

What qualities make a good Juvenile Offenders Counselor?

A good Juvenile Offenders Counselor should be empathetic and patient, with a genuine desire to help others.

They should be excellent communicators, capable of building trust with juveniles who may be resistant to help.

They need strong problem-solving skills, the ability to handle stressful situations calmly, and the resilience to work in emotionally challenging circumstances.

 

What are the daily duties of a Juvenile Offenders Counselor?

A Juvenile Offenders Counselor’s daily duties typically involve conducting individual and group counseling sessions, creating treatment plans, assessing the progress of their clients, and documenting their observations.

They may also communicate with family members and other professionals involved in the client’s care, such as social workers, probation officers, and school officials.

In some cases, they may need to testify in court about the client’s progress or needs.

 

Conclusion

So, there it is.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Juvenile Offenders Counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about counseling.

It’s about reshaping lives, one young individual at a time.

With our standard Juvenile Offenders Counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating finely-detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each juvenile you counsel is a part of a broader canvas.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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