Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist , Metro Region - CONTINUOUS

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Job Description

Job Overview

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dedicated and motivated 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 the knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible and independent adults.

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

• Exposure to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
• Use of physical interventions may be required after verbal de‑escalation attempts are exhausted.
• 24/7 facility; required to work nights, holidays, and weekends, including forced overtime.
• Travel may be required for training purposes.

• Capacity to establish a rapport with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Capability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency situations 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 the supervision of a senior staff member.

Work Location
: 425 Harvard Street, Dorchester, MA 02124 & 450 Canterbury Street, Roslindale, MA 02131

Schedule
:
Multiple

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime

• Drug Screening
• Psychological Screening
• Medical Examination
• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services before the candidate is hired. For more information, please visit http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with 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 and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

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

• First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days.
• Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
• Upon hire, incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, CPR, AED, and first aid.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure. For all bargaining unit positions (non‑management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits…