THE POSITION

The Department of Human Services (DHS), Loysville Youth Development Center, is seeking dedicated counselors to work in the rehabilitation and social development of adjudicated delinquent youth in a state operated facility. The Loysville Youth Development Center 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.

The DHS provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.

If you are interested in learning more about BJJS, follow this link. If you are interested in joining our team as a Youth Development Counselor, apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

You will develop and implement effective individual treatment plans for court-adjudicated youth that produce positive results in changed behaviors; intervene in crisis and controversial situations to prevent harmful behaviors while holding others plus yourself accountable for actions; and engage with youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting.

Also, you will develop, implement, and monitor individual treatment program plans to include individual, group, and family counseling sessions; assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes; address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth; and use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe, secure, or restricted environment.

Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40-hour work week.
• Hours of work: Shift work in a 24/7 operation includes weekends and holidays, 8-hour shifts with no duty-free lunch. Workweeks are 5 days on and 2 days off, possible shifts: 7:00am-3:00pm, 3:00pm-11:00pm, 9:00am-5:00pm, 2:00pm-10:00pm
• Travel and overtime as needed.
• May change based on operational needs.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
• FREE PARKING!
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.

• 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.
  • 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:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. 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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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.