Youth Development Counselor - North Central Secure Treatment Unit

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to the rehabilitation and social development of Pennsylvania's youth. The Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services is looking for compassionate professionals to foster growth and change in a secure environment at the North Central Secure Treatment Unit. In this role, you will build meaningful connections with adjudicated youth, helping them navigate personal challenges through mentorship and positive reinforcement. By instilling responsible attitudes and life skills, you will directly contribute to a safer community and a brighter future for the Commonwealth. Apply today to transform your dedication into a rewarding career that truly impacts lives!

As a Youth Development Counselor, you will play a vital role in rehabilitating court-adjudicated youth within a secure environment. Your primary responsibility involves developing, implementing, and monitoring treatment plans tailored to individual needs, which encompass personal, group, and family counseling sessions. By assessing and addressing the thought processes and personal challenges of residents, you will provide the necessary guidance to foster responsible attitudes and positive behavioral changes. In addition to therapeutic support, you will be responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly setting. This work includes intervening in crisis and controversial situations, where you must use verbal techniques and appropriate physical restraints to manage disruptive, aggressive, or suicidal behaviors. Your commitment to these specialized services ensures a secure atmosphere while preventing escapes and promoting the long-term well-being of the youth under your care.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• The North Central Secure Treatment Unit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Varying 8-hour shifts will include 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 11:00 AM. You will work 5-days on and 2-days off, with no duty-free lunch. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $61,301.00 (before taxes).
• FREE parking!
• 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:

• Four years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership, or personal guidance of court adjudicated or socially maladjusted individuals in an organized program, and a bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile justice, or criminal justice; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership, or personal guidance of court adjudicated or socially maladjusted individuals in an organized program.

• You must be willing to accept employment at North Central Secure Treatment Unit and commute to this location in Montour County.
• PA residency requirement is 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 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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

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.