JOB TITLE: Family Engagement Officer – Hays & Colby
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Family Engagement Supervisor, the primary responsibility is to involve the families in the juvenile justice process and reduce barriers to ensure the successful rehabilitation of youth in the system and sustain reintegration into the community. Family members are treated with respect and dignity and considered important to ensure successful outcomes for youth. Family engagement is a meaningful partnership with families and youth at every level of the agency and system, and it is the Family Engagement Officer’s responsibility to build and sustain that partnership.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Serve as a liaison between youth, family, court, Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services and community resources
- Work with professional personnel, youth and parents to help the youth be successful
- Plans and provides activities related to parent involvement that would enhance parent engagement
- Conduct home visits as needed and work with parents regarding ways in which they can help their child complete probation/supervision
- Attend court, supervision plan meetings and other actives with families and assist them in any way they may need (explain the system, encourage them to contribute)
- Seek out, value and utilize the families’ views, insights and experiences
- Assist parents in reducing barriers that hinder success
- Assure that information is regularly provided to families from the time of initial contact in a means that is understandable to them
- Participate in on-going professional development by attending required and job-related workshops, conferences and training on specific subjects to enhance job performance
- Maintain organized casefiles for each client including chronological notes of activities/contacts
- Submit accurate reports as requested by the Family Engagement Supervisor
- Ensure absolute confidentiality with respect to information records concerning families and children
- Maintain the family engagement mindset: family engagement begins with a fundamental belief that all families care for their children, have strengths that can be built upon and can be engaged and empowered
- Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities
- Provide court involved youth one-on-one and/or group cognitive-based programming, utilizing a cognitive-based program approved by the NWKJS Director
- Facilitate The Parent Project® classes throughout judicial district(s)
Marginal duties and responsibilities
- Reports to and communicates with the Community Supervision Officers (JISP, IIP, CSO)
- Complete monthly reports
- Keep statistical records
- Gather surveys from parents
- Other related duties as assigned by the Family Engagement Supervisor.
Position Requirements:
Experience: An understanding of the parent engagement philosophy and familiarity with the juvenile justice system. 2 years experience working with juveniles and/or parents is preferred. Must be 21 years of age or older and must pass KBI/DCF Child and Adult Abuse Registry check.
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or a related field.
Skills:
- Knowledge of Juvenile Justice System
- Experience as a group facilitator
- Knowledge of available community resources
- Skill in the use of a personal computer and related software
- Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with others
- Ability to comprehend and interpret, and comply with rules and regulations
- Ability to prepare reports
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to pass random drug/alcohol-screening tests
- Valid Kansas Drivers license and able to operate a motor vehicle
Accountability: Problem solving, and decision making is a factor in this position. Must have the ability to weigh information and support decisions by fact, document and testify in court.
Supervision: Employee does not have supervisory responsibilities over subordinate personnel.
Working Conditions: Duties are performed primarily in an office setting. Must be able to operate a telephone, computer keyboard, copy machine, and fax machine. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
Physical Requirements: Mostly sitting and standing; occasional stooping, lifting, carrying, and reaching pulling; walking; frequently speaking, writing and listening. Ability to endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted by hostile views and opinions of clients and their families.
Benefits: BCBS of Kansas Health Insurance Plan, KPERS eligible, paid sick and leave time, and competitive pay (starting at $40,000).
Application Materials: Please include Resume, Cover Letter, and a list of 3 Professional References
Send Application Materials to: [email protected]
Application materials are due by Friday, April 2, 2021
Interviews will be conducted during the week of April 5-9, 2021 in Hays and Colby, KS
For questions, please email [email protected] or call 785-639-2486