Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee - Loysville Youth Development Center, Perry

Overview

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, Loysville Youth Development Center is offering Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee positions. These entry‑level roles provide structured classroom instruction and on‑the‑job training aimed at developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and traits of a Juvenile Justice Specialist. Successful completion of the six‑month training program results in a promotion to a full Juvenile Justice Specialist with an increased hourly wage.

As a Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee you will:

• Attend the Juvenile Justice Academy, covering professionalism and ethics, adolescent development and behavior, safety and supervision principles, group facilitation skills, communication skills, applicable Pennsylvania codes, CPR/AED, basic first‑aid, mechanical device use, suicide management, Safe Crisis Management, medication awareness, cultural awareness, fire safety, and search procedures.
• Apply training and techniques to support at‑risk youth while working under the direct supervision of a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor or other higher‑level personnel.
• Assist in developing and maintaining quality standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Full‑time employment with a 24/7/365 shift structure. Shifts include 7:00 AM‑3:00 PM, 3:00 PM‑11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM‑7:00 AM. There are no duty‑free lunches. The base hourly rate for the trainee role is $20.80, which increases to $27.15 upon promotion. Second and third shifts receive a shift differential. The starting annual salary for new employees in Pennsylvania is $43,397.00 before taxes.

The Department provides benefits, contractual pay increases, paid holidays, leave entitlements, and opportunities for advancement.

• Shift work with 5‑day work week and 2 days off.
• Travel as needed.
• Voluntary and possible mandatory overtime.
• No telework option.
• Parking is available at the facility.
• Must be willing to work in Loysville, PA, Perry County.

• You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
• Conditional employment requires satisfactory criminal history reports, including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI fingerprint clearance.
• A satisfactory medical examination and drug screening are also required.

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.