Contribute to the rehabilitation of Pennsylvania’s delinquent youth with your accumulated experience in counseling! The Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services is committed to supporting the building of strong communities and serving as a model for juvenile justice services, while fostering hope and the opportunity for success. The South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated counselors willing to roll up their sleeves and actively engage in developing effective relationships with staff and court-adjudicated youth. If you have a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth and are excited to work with a diverse population, come join our team!

As a Youth Development Counselor, you will be responsible for providing specialized and professional counseling, rehabilitation, and social development of court-committed adjudicated delinquent residents. In this position, you are going to develop and implement effective individual treatment plans, intervene in crisis and controversial situations, and supervise the resident group in rehabilitative treatment, education, recreation, and social development programs. You can also expect to represent residents at court reviews by reporting on residents’ progress in their treatment plans. Additionally, you will assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. You will also have to 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 theposition description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours will be determined through shift work in a 24/7 operation, including holidays and weekends. Shifts are normally 8 hours with no duty-free lunch. Workweeks are 5 days on and 2 days off. Possible shifts are as follows:
  • 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• You may have to work overtime as needed and possible mandatory.
• You may have to travel as needed. 
• FREE PARKING!
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of experience as a Youth Development Aide;or
• Four years of experience as a Youth Development Aide Supervisor;or
• One year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program, and a bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile delinquency, or criminal justice; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program. 

Other Requirements:

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

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  1. 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.

How to Apply:

• 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. 

Veterans: 

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. 

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• 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.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.