Youth Behavioral Coach- Choice Champion

Position Summary:

The Choices Champion plays a pivotal role in the implementation coaching and continuous improvement of the CHOICES Behavior Management System within the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility. This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) and coach ensuring that staff across all levels consistently deliver the programs principles reinforcing prosocial behavior and supporting youth development. The Choices Champion fosters a therapeutic environment that emphasizes positive reinforcement logical consequences skillbuilding and youth empowerment aligned with the facilitys mission to rehabilitate and support detained youth.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Coaching:

Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the CHOICES program demonstrating mastery in behavior management strategies positive reinforcement and restorative practices.
Provide ongoing coaching mentoring and modeling for Juvenile Detention Specialists (JDS) Supervisors and support staff to ensure fidelity to the CHOICES framework.
Collaborate with the Core Support Team (CST) to reinforce community standards assess program fidelity and address individual or unitbased challenges.
Facilitate overview sessions on CHOICES for new residents on Level 1O ensuring their understanding of expectations and incentives.
Observe Social Learning Groups (SLGs) and provide constructive feedback to facilitators to enhance engagement and skill acquisition.

Program Implementation & Support:

Participate in weekly CST meetings offering insights recommendations and data analysis on CHOICES implementation and resident progress.
Support staff in preparing for resident Petition Meetings ensuring youth are equipped and confident to advocate for level advancements.
Lead coaching sessions with pod teams to address specific challenges or refine CHOICES practices within living units.
Monitor and evaluate the continuum of responses for both strengthening appropriate behaviors and discouraging inappropriate behaviors to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Training & Development:

Assist with the design and delivery of CHOICES training including onboarding for new hires and ongoing professional development.
Collaborate with NPJS embedded staff and facility leadership to maintain alignment with best practices in juvenile behavior management.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement encouraging staff to embrace feedback and refine their skills in behavior shaping.

Resident Engagement & Advocacy:

Promote youth voice and choice in the CHOICES program ensuring residents understand the system and are empowered to engage actively in their own development.
Act as a liaison between residents and staff providing support and clarification to ensure equitable application of CHOICES principles across all pods.
Support and participate in CHOICES events such as the Successful Day incentive CHOICES Market Pod Plus Parties and the Petition Process.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 2 years experience working in juvenile justice behavioral health education or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with behavior management systems cognitive behavioral interventions or restorative justice frameworks.
Strong coaching facilitation and leadership skills with the ability to engage and motivate both staff and youth.
Excellent communication observation and documentation skills.
Ability to model and uphold the facilitys core values of integrity respect optimism and commitment to human potential.
Preferred: Completion of National Partnership for Juvenile Services (NPJS) or related professional development programs.

Key Competencies:

Emotional Intelligence: Ability to remain calm empathetic and solutionfocused in challenging situations.
Adaptability: Flexible in approach and able to tailor coaching strategies to meet individual and group needs.
Integrity and Fairness: Consistently applies program standards and fosters a just environment.
Collaboration: Works effectively across disciplines and teams to uphold the CHOICES framework.
Commitment to Youth Development: Believes in the potential for change and growth in every youth.

Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility is committed to fostering a rehabilitative environment where youth are empowered to make positive choices and build skills for successful reintegration. The Choices Champion is a vital role in achieving this mission promoting a culture of consistency fairness and opportunity.

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