Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Youth Development Counselor - Southeast Youth Development Center
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Phila, Pennsylvania, United States
Youth Development Counselor – Southeast Youth Development Center
Are you driven by a passion for helping others and creating meaningful change that fosters personal growth and lasting success? The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is seeking dedicated Youth Development Counselors to work with court‑adjudicated youth at the Southeast Youth Development Center. In this role, you will support positive behavioral change and guide youth toward rebuilding their futures, encouraging responsible decision‑making and positive attitudes. Apply today and begin a fulfilling career that truly matters!
Description of Work As a Youth Development Counselor, you will actively engage with court‑adjudicated youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting. You will provide guidance in social and emotional growth by role‑modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire in youth to change behaviors. You will develop, implement, and monitor individual treatment program plans, including individual, group, and family counseling sessions. You will assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. You will address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth. You will use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe environment.
Work Schedule and Additional Information
Full‑time employment, 40‑hour work week
Shift work in a 24‑hour, 7‑day operation, including weekends and holidays. Shifts: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, 11:00 PM–7:00 AM. 5‑day work week with two regular days off. Schedule may change based on operational needs.
Travel and overtime as needed
Telework not available
Starting annual salary of $63,301.00 (before taxes) for new employees
Must be willing to accept employment at Southeast Youth Development Center and commute to Montgomery County
Further communication regarding this position will be via email. Check spam/junk folders.
Qualifications Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Four years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist (or equivalent)
Three years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor (or equivalent)
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, with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile justice, or criminal justice
Or an equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of such experience
Other Requirements
PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title
You must be able to perform essential job functions
Legal Requirements
Conditional offer will require a medical examination and a drug screening
This position falls under the Child Protective Services Law. Acceptance of a conditional offer requires satisfactory criminal history reports (state police clearance, child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprint clearance)
How to Apply
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed. Provide required information on the application.
If claiming education, attach a copy of college transcripts (unofficial acceptable)
Application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Failure to comply may eliminate you from consideration.
Veterans Pennsylvania law provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more, visit www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) 711 (for hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you need accommodations due to a disability, discuss your request before the interview date.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. 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.
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Description of Work As a Youth Development Counselor, you will actively engage with court‑adjudicated youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting. You will provide guidance in social and emotional growth by role‑modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire in youth to change behaviors. You will develop, implement, and monitor individual treatment program plans, including individual, group, and family counseling sessions. You will assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. You will address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth. You will use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe environment.
Work Schedule and Additional Information
Full‑time employment, 40‑hour work week
Shift work in a 24‑hour, 7‑day operation, including weekends and holidays. Shifts: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, 11:00 PM–7:00 AM. 5‑day work week with two regular days off. Schedule may change based on operational needs.
Travel and overtime as needed
Telework not available
Starting annual salary of $63,301.00 (before taxes) for new employees
Must be willing to accept employment at Southeast Youth Development Center and commute to Montgomery County
Further communication regarding this position will be via email. Check spam/junk folders.
Qualifications Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Four years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist (or equivalent)
Three years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor (or equivalent)
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, with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile justice, or criminal justice
Or an equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of such experience
Other Requirements
PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title
You must be able to perform essential job functions
Legal Requirements
Conditional offer will require a medical examination and a drug screening
This position falls under the Child Protective Services Law. Acceptance of a conditional offer requires satisfactory criminal history reports (state police clearance, child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprint clearance)
How to Apply
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed. Provide required information on the application.
If claiming education, attach a copy of college transcripts (unofficial acceptable)
Application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Failure to comply may eliminate you from consideration.
Veterans Pennsylvania law provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more, visit www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) 711 (for hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you need accommodations due to a disability, discuss your request before the interview date.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. 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.
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