DJS Resident Advisor Trainee Washington & Frederick Counties

Introduction

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS!

ASTD
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Washington County – Western Maryland Children's Center (WMCC), 18420 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (Recruiter: Jenn Berger)

Frederick County – Victor Cullen Center (VCC), 6000 Cullen Drive, Sabillasville, MD 21780 (Recruiter: Moses Devaprakasam)

Provide supervision and guidance to youth residing in a Maryland Department of Juvenile Services facility, including observing, interacting, and assisting them with daily life skills and alternative behaviors. Work regular shift with potential for evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and call‑ins.

• Escort groups of youth to and from daily activities and supervise their conduct.
• Observe individual and group behaviors to determine when intervention or guidance is needed.
• Intervene in situations involving agitated youth to prevent fights and de‑escalate harmful behaviors.
• Suggest alternative ways of reacting to problems and may physically restrain youth as necessary.
• Promote a learning environment, encourage communication, guide discussions, offer advice, and serve as a mentor.
• Monitor behavior and assist youth in complying with daily schedules, classes, assignments, sleep, meals, and personal hygiene.
• Record behavior observations, prepare progress and incident reports, and recommend sanctions.
• Inspect residence areas for safety, security, and cleanliness.
• Assess inappropriate behaviors and recommend sanctions.
• Attend in‑service training on crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatment, and behavioral modification models; obtain and maintain certification.
• Assess emergency and crisis situations, make appropriate contacts and referrals, and provide interim assistance.
• May be assigned to a cottage or dormitory post at night.
• May accompany youth to community service activities outside the facility.
• Perform other related duties.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No experience required.

• Employment experience within the past 18 months.
• Associate’s degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences).

• Must complete Entrance Level Correctional Training Course and obtain Maryland Correctional Training Commission certificate during probationary period.
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle; must possess a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license.

• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Thorough background check including fingerprinting and drug testing.
• Oral interview, physical and psychological examinations.
• Subject to substance abuse testing per Code of Maryland Regulations.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

DJS is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to diversity. Veterans, bilingual applicants, and people with disabilities are welcome to apply. Candidates with lived experience in the criminal/juvenile system are encouraged to apply.