Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee

Selected applicant must attend and successfully complete and pass the Juvenile Justice Officer Basic Training certification program. The certification requires four weeks to complete and is comprised of classroom and physically demanding training. This training is carried out at regional training centers and requires consecutive overnight stays. In addition, the selected candidate must:

• Have or be able to obtain required documentation for certification as a Juvenile Justice Officer (i.e. a diploma)
• Pass a Criminal Background check
• Pass a Drug Screening test
• Pass a Psychological test
• Pass a Sexual Risk Screening test
• Pass a Physical
• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 20 years of age
• Have a valid driver's license

Skills & Abilities:

• In maintaining effective working relationships with others to be successful in achieving a common goal.
• In talking to others to convey information effectively.
• To analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• To use computer software to maintain electronic records and database.           
• To exercise independent judgment.

Management Preference:

• Knowledge of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Juvenile Justice Section.
• Ability to prepare effective written reports.
• Public speaking - ability to present programs to educate juveniles and their families, agency personnel and the general public
   

Beginning trainees with a required Bachelor's degree but no directly related experience will begin at the minimum salary of $34,000 and will follow a 24-month trainee progression.
Those with a required Master's degree, but no directly related experience, might be eligible to earn a beginning salary based on the 12-month increments shown below.  At the time of this posting, the salary progression is as follows:
 
Salary Increase Schedule

• Minimum     $34,000
• 6 months     $34,867 (2.5% increase)
• 12 months   $35,733 (2.5% increase)
• 18 months   $36,600 (2.5% increase)
• 24 months   To be set by agency based on internal equity

Positions in this class are assigned to a progressive career development program under supervision. Work assignments are characterized by defined objectives and specific guidelines, developing an overall understanding of the Court Counselor and court role over time. The Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee classification is intended as a resource to attract entry-level talent in various fields to the State. It is expected that incumbents who perform successfully in this level will be allocated up to a permanent class.
 
Through this structured training program, you will gain progressively complex exposure and opportunities to receive certifications, shadow other Juvenile Court Counselors, and with guidance and mentoring, carry a case load, coordinate services and prepare and present court recommendations until you achieve independence.   Once fully qualified, you will be eligible for continued professional development, in-service trainings and workshops.

• Advancement potential through promotional opportunities
• State retirement plan
• North Carolina State Employee 401(k) Plan
• North Carolina State Employee insurance coverage
• Sick leave and annual leave
• Workers compensation
• Paid holidays
• Specialized training
• Use of state vehicle
• Military training leave
• Veterans apprenticeship program
• Community service leave