Direct Support Worker

Now Hiring:
Youth Counselor | Juvenile Detention Specialist

Location:

Abraxas Academy, 1000 Academy Dr., Morgantown, PA 19543

We’re hiring Youth Counselors, Juvenile Detention Specialists, and Youth Development Specialists to join our team on the Juvenile Services unit at Abraxas Academy. Here, you will help at‑risk adolescents BUILD BETTER FUTURES.

As part of our team, you will benefit from detailed training, ongoing support, and continued opportunities to develop new skills and move forward in your career. You’ll also know that you are playing a vital role in an organization that provides an essential service.

Abraxas Academy is located minutes off of Exit 298 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Berks County and provides detention and treatment services for court‑committed youth.

Salary: $25.00 per hour

Job Type: Full‑time

Shift: Second Shift

Must be available to work weekends!

• Associate’s degree or sixty (60) credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• At least twenty‑one (21) years of age.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain clearances (PA State Police, Child Abuse, FBI).
• Must pass pre‑employment physical exam, drug screen & TB test.
• Must be physically capable of handling adolescents during crisis situations using safe crisis management techniques.
• Must pass both federal and state background checks which screen for crimes including, but not limited to, drug‑related crimes, violent crimes, sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and repeated misdemeanors.

• Interact with and supervise clients during daily activities in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor and co‑workers.
• Provide effective facility security including conducting headcounts, room checks, and observing client movement.
• Observe client behavior and intervene appropriately.
• Process intakes and screen clients according to program policy.
• Respond to emergencies, including evacuation, CPR, or first aid.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of Safe Crisis Management techniques and skills.

• Prompt and dependable.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries (including confidentiality).
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Follow direction, solve problems, and work effectively as part of a team.
• Comfortable dealing with people who are in treatment and who are justice‑involved.
• Mature, grounded and sensible in a variety of situations, including occasional emotional, mental, or physical distress.
• Enforce rules in a firm yet supportive manner.
• Speak and write clearly.
• Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office Word and Outlook.
• Guide and instruct facility residents in all applicable rules, regulations, and procedures in accordance with the Resident Handbook.
• Good interpersonal skills and establish and maintain professional boundaries with residents.
• Create and/or maintain routine records, logs and reports.
• Learn relevant rules, regulations and procedures of the facility, including applicable requirements of licensing and accreditation.

• 401(k)
• Free Meals on Shift
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic Life & Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Life Assistance Program (LAP)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Paid Training
• Advancement Opportunities

Abraxas Youth & Family Services is a national nonprofit human services provider dedicated to Building Better Futures for at‑risk youth, adults, and families. Our diversified array of services includes alternative education, outpatient counseling, in‑home services, shelter, detention, residential treatment and re‑entry/transition services.

Since 1973, Abraxas team members have positively impacted the lives of those we serve and the communities in which they live.

At Abraxas, we celebrate the richness of our diverse employees and the communities we serve. We are actively committed to building a culture of awareness and belonging, striving to ensure we are welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent. We believe in recovery and that our clients can lead…