Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist , Central Region - CONTINUOUS

Overview

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dedicated individuals to fill the essential role of Juvenile Justice YDS I (JJYDS I). Selected candidates will work with juvenile justice-involved youth and young adults (most are 16-20 years old) in a 24-hour a day / 7-day-a-week locked residential facility. In this team-led environment, you will ensure the safety and security of the youth while offering the opportunity to acquire knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible and independent adults.

Responsibilities

• Observe
  — Monitor the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action to prevent disturbances or self-harm and ensure the safety of staff and youth in compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Collaborate as part of a team
  — Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support to the youth in daily activities, including classrooms, afternoon leisure/sports, mealtime, hygiene, and clinical sessions.
• Serve as a role model
  — Help youth develop coping, social, and life skills while providing guidance and support to facilitate re-entry into the community.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment
  — Complete program security measures including supervision rounds, head counts, security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.

Work Conditions

• Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
• In situations where verbal de-escalation attempts are exhausted, you may use physical interventions to maintain safety and security in accordance with department policies.
• This is a 24/7 facility; you will be required to work nights, holidays, weekends, including forced overtime.
• Travel may be required for training purposes.

Required Qualifications

• Capacity to establish rapport with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with people under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergencies while remaining calm.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights.
• Ability to take direction and work under supervision of a senior staff member.

Work Location
: 288 Lyman Street, Westboro, MA 01581; 363 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604

Schedule
:
Multiple

Mandatory Overtime
:
Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Pre-Offer Process

• Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes Drug Screening, Psychological Screening, Medical Examination, and Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• A criminal background check will be completed as required by regulations; see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.
• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified according to the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at and select option #4.

Equal Opportunity
— An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law. We encourage applicants who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply.

Additional information

• Official
  
  Title:
  
  Juvenile Just Yth Dev Spec I
• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Community and Social Services
• Agency:
  Department of Youth Services
• Schedule:
  
  Full-time
• Shift: Multiple

Salary
— 53,322. Yearly

For Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:
Natasha Lugo/Natasha.

Lugo -

Postings
— This is a continuous posting. Applicants will remain active for up to 90 days and may be considered as openings arise. Reapplication is encouraged after expiration of the submission.