Direct Support Worker, Det

Change Lives While Growing Your Own Career

1000 Academy Drive., Morgantown, PA 19543

At Abraxas Youth and Family Services we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and independent life.

We’re seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals who are looking for more than a paycheck. We’re looking for individuals who want to make a difference, build rewarding careers, and become part of a team committed to helping others succeed.

Whether you’re beginning your career, changing professions, or bringing years of experience, we provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to help you thrive.

No experience required for many positions. Paid training provided.

For more than 53 years,
Abraxas Youth and Family Services has been dedicated to improving lives through high-quality services and support.

Our employees play a vital role in helping individuals achieve greater independence, confidence, and success while promoting dignity, respect, inclusion, and personal choice.

Every day, our team members make a meaningful impact by supporting people in reaching their goals and living their best lives.

• Daily Pay – Access your earned wages before payday
• Wellness programs
• Employee referral bonuses
• Career advancement opportunities
• Make a difference every day
• Support individuals and families
• Strengthen communities

As a Youth Development Specialist in our Bureau of Prisons Unit, you will provide supervision, guidance, mentoring and direction to at-risk youth.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Interacts with and supervises clients during daily activities in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
• Maintains regular communication with supervisors and co-workers.
• Provides effective facility security including conducting headcounts, room checks and observing client movement.
• Observes client behavior and intervenes appropriately.
• Processes intakes and screens clients according to program policy.
• Observes activities and responds accordingly, including emergency situations, evacuation, CPR, or first aid.
• Facilitates and documents various groups or meetings; monitors the documentation process to ensure all services are documented as necessary each shift.
• Provides structured behavioral interventions to reduce maladaptive behaviors and increase positive, adaptive skills.
• Uses trauma‑informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Accurately observes and documents client behaviors, progress, and responses to interventions.
• Collects and documents behavioral data in accordance with program and regulatory standards.
• Will be included in daily staffing ratio to assist in effective programming for all youth.
• Completes daily notes, incident reports, and other required documentation within required time frames.
• Utilizes approved crisis prevention and de‑escalation techniques when necessary.
• Follows all safety protocols related to self‑harm, aggression, and behavioral escalation.
• Reports safety concerns, incidents, or changes in client status immediately to supervisory/leadership staff.
• Participates in treatment team meetings, supervision, and required training.
• Supports family engagement as directed by the treatment team.
• Maintains client confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Follows all Pennsylvania mandated reporter requirements.
• Maintains active certification, clearances, and required ongoing training.
• Complies with program/facility safety systems and building security.
• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance with current departmental practices.
• Supports the Abraxas philosophy and mission and promotes the Seven Key Principles of care.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of Safe Crisis Management techniques and skills.

• Dependable
• Team‑oriented
• Service‑focused
• Professional
• Positive
• Committed to helping others

• Associate’s degree or sixty (60) credit hours from an accredited college or university.

• At least twenty‑one (21) years of age
• Must have a valid driver’s…