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Youth Group Leader

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
5079
Annual Salary Range:
$32,400.00 – $51,468.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,350.00 – $2,144.50
Pay Grade: 
05
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Definition

This is professional and supervisory work in a treatment program for juvenile offenders committed to the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services with the Department of Social Services.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility.  Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted.  These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

One or more years of experience as a Youth Specialist II with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System; and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency, and a valid vehicle operator's license.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work; and,

One or more years of professional experience in the treatment of juveniles which involved group or individual counseling techniques; and possession of a valid vehicle operator's license.

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for the required experience.)

(Work experience in a residential treatment program which involved casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, and/or social work for youth {12-17 years of age} may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required degree.)

Special Requirements

Ability to pass a background investigation administered by the Missouri Division of Youth Services.

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff members of the treatment teams; supervises staff in the treatment process; and assists in training and career development activities.

Serves as the "group leader" in guiding the group interaction process.

Provides and monitors individual and group counseling services.

Assumes responsibility, together with staff, for the safety, personal conduct, care, and therapy of the youth in a group.

Communicates with court and community-based staff regarding each youth's progress, placement plans, and family issues; prepares reports regarding youth's progress, adjustments, and related matters.

Assesses youth needs and develops individual treatment, education, and aftercare plans.

Interacts critically and constructively with staff members to develop and implement successful treatment techniques.

Keeps staff informed of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual and/or the group.

Maintains security in buildings, grounds, and other posts; intervenes during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth (twenty-four [24] hours a day).

Coordinates community relations projects and other outreach activities.

Provides counseling, therapy, and other support services to the families of youth being served in a treatment facility.

Assists in the oversight of an outdoor program, instructs youth in outdoor skills, and evaluates the application of such skills in scheduled activities.

Receives supervision from an administrative supervisor; exercises considerable judgment, discretion, and initiative in the performance of duties within the established policies and procedures.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

Intermediate knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Intermediate knowledge of individual and group counseling techniques, including verbal and physical crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques and emergency treatment procedures.

Intermediate knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and current methods of juvenile offender treatment.

Intermediate knowledge of child development and family systems.

Intermediate knowledge and understanding of minority group cultures.

Intermediate knowledge of the general organization and operation of juvenile offender treatment programs.

Introductory knowledge of the Missouri Juvenile Court System.

Introductory knowledge of in-service training techniques and procedures.

Introductory knowledge of the basic principles and techniques of supervision.

Introductory knowledge of outdoor program activities.

Ability to work with youth in an empathetic and understanding manner and foster cooperation of the youth in the treatment process.

Ability to communicate effectively with youth and explain the progress of the youth to their family member, the courts, and other treatment staff.

Ability to remain alert, observant, and physically able to respond appropriately to work situations or emergencies including, but not limited to, physical restraint of youth.

Ability to create and maintain documentation, prepare reports, and present information clearly.

Ability to supervise staff and youth working a variety of shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Ability to transport youth and travel.

Ability to work a variety of shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime; and the ability to respond to crises situations.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff, community groups, the courts, other agencies, and the general public.

(Revised 11/1/09)
(Minor Revision 11/1/13)