The department may employ youth counselors. Youth counselors shall exercise the duties of probation officers and shall prepare preliminary investigations for the information of the court. They shall also carry out other duties in the care and treatment of minors that are consistent with the intent of this chapter. Youth counselors have the powers of a peace officer with respect to the service of process, the making of arrests of minors who violate state or municipal law, and the execution of orders of the court relating to juveniles, and shall assist and advise the courts in the furtherance of the welfare and control of minors under the court's jurisdiction.