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Maryland

YOUTH ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR (DJS Case Management Spec Supr Community) - #25-002593

Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276

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Introduction GRADE 17

LOCATION OF POSITION DJS/Youth Advocacy Unit, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) 9700 Old Harford Road Baltimore, MD (Baltimore Co.) ***Work location TBD. Final location will be determined upon hiring with the selected candidate and may differ from the address listed above based on business needs. ***

Main Purpose of Job Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of the Youth Advocate Supervisor (DJS Case Management Specialist Supervisor – Community), so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! The Youth Advocacy Unit ensures that youth and individuals acting on their behalf can file grievances regarding the behavior of other youth, staff, contractors, or volunteers, as well as concerns about the conditions of their confinement. The Youth Advocate Supervisor provides direct supervision and oversight to Youth Advocates, who deliver advocacy services to detained or adjudicated youth in DJS residential and detention facilities, in order to ensure that youth rights are protected and their needs are met. The Youth Advocate Supervisor directs the day‑to‑day work of Youth Advocates in initiating, investigating, and resolving grievances, while ensuring the grievance process is implemented consistently and in accordance with DJS policies, procedures, and COMAR regulations. The Youth Advocate Supervisor may cover the responsibilities of a Youth Advocate when special circumstances arise.

Responsibilities Some key responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited, to the following:

Youth Grievance Oversight and Supervision

– Leading the Youth Grievance process to ensure every youth concern is addressed promptly and fairly. Guiding Youth Advocates in investigating grievances thoroughly, ensuring all actions align with DJS policies and best practices. Approving corrective actions to resolved grievances submitted by Youth Advocates. Assigning Youth Advocates strategically across facilities to provide responsive and consistent support for youth in custody.

Grievance Data Management and Reporting

– Overseeing the accurate entry and tracking of grievance data to maintain reliable and actionable records. Reviewing final resolutions to ensure quality, compliance, and timely closure of cases. Analyzing trends and outcomes to inform annual reporting, enhance facility performance, and support continuous improvement.

PREA Compliance and Retaliation Monitoring

– Ensuring compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) by supervising Youth Advocates in conducting orientations, monitoring retaliation, and following up on incidents. Reviewing documentation to confirm accuracy, completeness, and adherence to DJS and federal standards. Maintaining organized and confidential records to support accountability, and safe environments for youth.

Staff Supervision, Training, and Development

– Providing leadership, coaching, and professional development to Youth Advocates to strengthen skills and enhance performance. Approving timesheets, managing leave requests, and conducting performance evaluations to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness. Training staff on policies, procedures, and advocacy techniques to promote excellence in service delivery and youth outcomes.

Administrative Support and Unit Coordination

– Compiling and summarizing Youth Advocates’ monthly reports to provide the Director with clear, actionable insights. Participating in meetings, committees, and workgroups to advance unit goals and foster collaboration. Assisting the Director with projects, initiatives, and special assignments to support the mission and impact of the Youth Advocacy Unit.

This position is eligible to work a hybrid telework schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience providing case management services to emotionally or socially maladjusted, delinquent, victimized or exceptional juveniles in a community or residential setting.

Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute possession of an Associate of Arts degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience providing direct services to children in a community or residential setting for the required education. 2. Candidates may substitute possession of a Master’s degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience. 3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Social Services classifications or Social Services specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology and Welfare field of work on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience and education.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

One or more of the following: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a Social or Behavioral Science (e.g., Criminal Justice, Sociology, Human Relations, Psychology, Child and Adolescent Studies, Social Work, or a closely related field).

At least two (2) years of experience handling grievances or advocating for the rights and needs of incarcerated individuals.

At least one (1) year of experience supervising youth in a community or residential setting.

At least one (1) year of experience supervising staff in a community or residential setting.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Employees appointed to positions in this classification are required to become fully certified by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission within 90 days of appointment and maintain certification while employed.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Employees in this classification that are employed at DJS Youth Centers may be required to complete a board‑approved medication technician training program and possess a valid Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) certification as a Medication Technician.

Special Requirements

In accordance with the Correctional Services Article, Section 8‑209 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Correctional Training Commission shall establish the minimum qualifications for probationary or permanent appointment of a Department of Juvenile Services employee in a mandated position. These requirements are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.10.01.04, general regulations of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission, and include: U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status; Must be at least 21 years of age; A thorough background check, including fingerprinting and drug testing; An oral interview, and physical and psychological examinations.

Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, testing for illegal use of drugs.

Selection Process Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your completed application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Candidates will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The resulting certified eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill similar positions of the same classification in this or other State agencies.

Examination Process The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position’s requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire. Please complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application. If you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.

Benefits STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Further Instructions The online application process is

STRONGLY encouraged . However, if you are unable to apply online you may mail a paper application and resume to the address below or fax a paper application and resume to the fax number below. If you choose to fax or use regular mail, you must include on each page of the attachment your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number that is located at the top of the bulletin and the last 4 digits of your SS#. The paper application must be received by 5:00 pm, close of business, on the closing date for this recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services OHR‑Recruitment & Examination Unit 217 E Redwood St. Baltimore, MD 21202 Attn:Recruitment #25‑002593‑0005 Fax number 410‑333‑4188 TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay; Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required or if you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410‑767‑4850 or application.help@maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments. Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments. Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.

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