Do you have experience working with at-risk youth and want to have a positive impact on their lives and those you work with every day? The Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), North Central Secure Treatment Unit is seeking individuals who are outgoing, motivated, and up for a challenge mentally, emotionally and physically. We are seeking individuals who can develop effective relationships with court-adjudicated youth to help address personal problems and provide positive reinforcement to instill proper attitudes and responsible behaviors. This position involves a willingness to work with a diverse population along with a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth. If you take pride in knowing your work helps the youth entrusted to your care, we encourage you to join our team and apply today!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

As a Juvenile Justice Specialist, you will be part of a team whose efforts help court-adjudicated youth become responsible and contributing members of their communities. You will provide guidance in social and emotional growth by modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire to change behaviors. All training will be provided.

In this role, you will actively engage with the youth who require guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting; provide for the physical care, custody, and supervision of the youths' daily activities that include recreation, housekeeping, personal hygiene, work assignments, and program requirements; and assist professional staff in implementing treatment plans and reporting youths' progress in attaining goals.

Additionally, you will communicate with the youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes; maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth; and use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe, secure, or restricted environment.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• The Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.
• Work hours include shift work in a 24/7/365 operation, including holidays and weekends. 8-hour shifts with no duty-free lunch.
  • 1st shift: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • 2nd shift: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • 3rd shift: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience in the care, custody, activities, or personal guidance of adolescents or adults in a human services or social services program, law enforcement or correctional program, or an educational, community, or military organization; or
  
• Successful completion of the Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee program (commonwealth title); or
  
• An associate's degree in social sciences, counseling, restorative justice, juvenile justice, child development, behavioral sciences, human services, criminal justice, education, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

• You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• A conditional offer of employment will a medical examination and a drug screening.
  
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.