Youth Diversion Program Coordinator

The Town of Needham’s Police Department and Youth and Family Services Division seek an energetic and engaged individual to support the implementation and ongoing coordination of the Youth Diversion Program.

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Police and closely collaborating with the Youth and Family Services division, the Youth Diversion Program Coordinator (Program Support Assistant III) will be responsible for working with the youth offender and their parent / guardian through the entire diversion process.

They will set up an intake appointment with youth and parent / guardian, coordinate a substance use and mental health screening, and will work with the youth and their parent / guardian to develop a contract which outlines youth responsibilities.

Contracts will include counseling, education, and community service components, and will be organized so that the youth is given a structured and personalized path to fulfill the expectations of the community, their parents / guardians, and of the school.

This is a part-time position for a period of up to 36 months, with the possibility of extension if both parties are agreeable.

Status : Part-time, up to 10 hours per week

Hours : Varied, depending on case needs

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Responsibilities :

• Attend court as needed to meet with the youth and their parent / guardian
• Set regular appointments with youth and their parent / guardian to conduct intake assessment, screening, and ongoing support until diversion is complete
• Create a personalized contract with the youth and their parent / guardian, referring them to appropriate community resources specific to their needs
• Monitor school behavior and attendance, therapeutic interventions, substance use, and community service and counseling completion
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor and Juvenile Courts Officer regarding youth and their case, maintaining documentation of case progress for all participants
• Communicate with an interdisciplinary group of diversion program partners such as community service partners, Youth & Family services department, and others
• Refer unsuccessful diversion participants back to the court, writing reports to the Court and District Attorney’s Office as needed
• Create and maintain strong, positive working relationships with county-wide services and resource providers for youth, maintaining a current community resources list
• When needed, recruit agencies for mentors and tutors for diversion participants

Minimum Requirements :

• Master’s degree in social work or mental health counseling, LMHC or LCSW / LICSW license or license-eligible
• Minimum of two years’ experience working closely with youth, families, and community partners
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ affirming, and multi-culturally competent with an understanding of social determinants of mental health.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated organizational and facilitation skills
• Experience building and maintaining community partnerships
• Ability to meet with their supervisor and the Juvenile Courts Officer weekly
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently to attend to participant needs

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted until 11 : 59 PM on November 12, 2024.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace.

There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class.

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential.

We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [email protected].

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