About Job

THE POSITION

The Department of Juvenile Services is looking for a Spanish-speaking Bilingual Juvenile Counselor II to join our team!

As a Juvenile Counselor II at Harkins House, you will be working directly with youth in residential care in order to increase their ability to be successful when returning to the community. This position includes direct care, case management, brokering services for youth and their families, skill building with youth, attention to detail and timeliness with required reports.

Harkins House is a 24/7 residential program in Washington County serving youth between the ages of 12-18 who are involved with the juvenile justice system. As a Juvenile Counselor II, you will have an opportunity to help make a difference for adolescents and their families. We are looking for applicants who are team players, willing and able to support the youth, their families, and the Harkins House team in all aspects of the program. Harkins House is a fast paced environment, so having an ability to manage stress, remain calm, and focus on improving the lives of the youth in our care is essential. We work to maintain and promote a positive work culture and welcome individuals who share in our mission.

Who We Are Looking For
The Ideal candidate will be able to:

work with youth who display oppositional and defiant behaviors and to guide them in pro-social decision making.
work with parents/guardians of youth to identify strategies to more effectively parent their child.
collaborate with juvenile probation officers, counselors, schools and other community based partners.
problem solve and remain calm in stressful situations.
be flexible and open to change.
understand and deploy Trauma Informed Care practices and other evidenced-based strategies when working with youth.
prepare accurate reports under specific timelines and to have excellent time management and organizational skills.
thrive in a fast paced team environment.
speak in a court setting and provide recommendations based on a youth's progress and behavior.
accept feedback and course correct.
show schedule flexibility and willingness to work holidays.

Bilingual Positions
Designated bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of another language besides English. It is required to possess precise writing skills (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation), fluent speaking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Upon successfully passing the applicable proficiency assessment test in a selected language, employees will receive bilingual pay in the amount of five percent (5%) of their base pay rate, exclusive of any other incentive pay, or a flat rate of seventy-five dollars ($75) per pay period, whichever is greater.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Washington County organizes its positions into classifications. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the required knowledge, skills and abilities for this classification, please use the following link: Juvenile Counselor II.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or a field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND one (1) year of experience working with juveniles and families in the counseling and case management of juveniles and families; OR
Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or a field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND three (3) years of experience working with juveniles and families in the counseling and case management of juveniles and families; OR
Associate's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND five (5) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR
Seven (7) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families.

Additional Department And Program Specific Requirements:

Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.
Completion of a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.
Bilingual positions will require the ability to speak, read, write, and translate Spanish into English and English into Spanish and will be determined by successfully passing a written and oral examination.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Selection Process

MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
SME Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded to a panel of subject matter experts (SME) who will review and score your application This process may take up to 2 weeks.
Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the SME review as soon as possible.
Salary Analysis & Conditional Offer: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment conditional on successful completion of background, driving, and reference checks and passing a bilingual test.
Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.

Veterans' Preference
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Additional Resources.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment
Gregory Garabedian, Talent Acquisition Business Partner

gregory_garabedian@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources:

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This is a non-represented position and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!

Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
Alternative Care Coverage
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 6% PERS Pick-up (May not apply to all collective bargaining units. For union represented positions, refer to applicable collective bargaining agreement)
457b Deferred Compensation Plan
Emergency Travel Assistance
Bike lockers and repair stations
Oregon College Savings Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here.

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.