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Secure Detention Counselor I

Montgomery County Youth Center
Norristown, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/20/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/3/2026

POSITION TITLE: SECURE DETENTION COUNSELOR I

EXEMPT: NO

SALARY: $52,300.00

DEPARTMENT: YOUTH CENTER

POSITION REPORTING: SECURE DETENTION SUPERVISOR

SUMMARY: This position is in the Secure Detention Division working with alleged delinquents between the ages of 10-18. Employees are responsible for the direct daily care and supervision of residents and must adhere to the Child Protective Services Law, the Juvenile Act and Department of Public Welfare regulations. All work is performed under supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Process new admission documents, personal belongings and complete Intake procedure.
  • Mentors, supervises, plans and participates with youths in daily residential activities including recreation, education, work, meals, etc.
  • Ensures the safety and well-being of residents, physically and mentally.
  • Ensure residents are dressed properly and supervise personal hygiene of residents.
  • Supervise residents during daily showers using established procedures.
  • Perform other related work as required and relay pertinent information regarding needs of residents.
  • Ability to guide and supervise juveniles and to use crisis intervention techniques effectively
  • Must sit with residents during mealtime, teaching table manners and good etiquette
  • Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with the public and other employees
  • Must have good moral and ethical character
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in social sciences; and one [1] year of relevant experience. Will interview graduates in psychology, sociology, recreation, criminal justice, liberal arts.
  • Driver's license or reliable means of transportation.
  • No record of criminal convictions or history of child abuse.**
  • Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.
  • Must be capable of physically restraining young adolescents during crisis situations using safe physical management techniques
  • Must have excellent inter-personal, oral and written communication skills.
  • Must obtain a physical examination report from a licensed physician prior to employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Must be capable of physically restraining adolescents during crisis situations using safe physical management techniques

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

  • Must work rotating shifts, holidays and weekend
  • Must become familiar with location of fire extinguishers and pull stations

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud

Please go to the Montgomery County Website below and fill out a job application.

Pay: From $52,300.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 457(b)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Loan forgiveness
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Current opening is for first shift, 7am to 7pm. Direct similar experience is considered when determining starting salary. There is potential, depending on relevant experience, to start at a higher step on the Union pay scale. This is solely determined by the HR Department. Detention staff work a 12-hour rotation. Detention staff work every other weekend. Also, a Bachelor's Degree (any field) is required for this position.

Education:

  • Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,300

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