Youth Development Counselor - South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit, Franklin County

The Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated counselors to work in the rehabilitation and social development of adjudicated delinquent youth in a state operated facility. The South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit is seeking employees who are willing to roll up their sleeves and actively engage in developing effective relationships with staff and court-adjudicated youth to help address personal problems and provide positive reinforcement to instill proper attitudes and responsible behaviors. This position involves a willingness to work with a diverse population along with a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth. Take pride in the meaningful services you provide to others and apply today!

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As a Youth Development Counselor, you will have the opportunity to provide specialized, professional counseling and care for the rehabilitation and social development of court committed adjudicated delinquent residents at the South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit. You will develop and implement effective individual treatment plans for the youth with a goal of producing positive results in changed behaviors. You will also intervene in crisis and controversial situations to prevent harmful behaviors while holding others plus yourself accountable for actions.

This professional engages with youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting and develops, implements, and monitors individual treatment program plans to include individual, group, and family counseling sessions. You will assess and counsel youth regarding their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. Excellent assertive leadership skills are utilized to address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth, as well as using appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe, secure, or restricted environment.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• This position involves shift work in a 24/7 operation, including holidays and weekends, with 8-hour shifts and no duty-free lunch. Schedule consists of a 5-day work week with 2 set regular days off. Schedule may change based upon operational needs. Shifts normally consist of:
  • 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of experience as a Youth Development Aide; or
• Four years of experience as a Youth Development Aide Supervisor; or
• One year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program, and a bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile delinquency, or criminal justice; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program.

Other Requirements:

• 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.
  1. 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.

How to Apply:

• 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.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.

• 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.