Youth Development Counselor - South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit

As a Youth Development Counselor with the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, you will help young people reshape their futures through guidance and support. This position offers the chance to make a positive impact every day by helping residents develop new skills and healthier behaviors. You will work in a team-focused environment where commitment and compassion matter. If you enjoy guiding others toward more confident and capable lives, apply today.

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

This position focuses on providing counseling, supervision, and guidance to residents at the South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit. The role supports rehabilitation and skill-building in a structured and secure environment. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will perform the following duties:

• Resident Supervision: Supervise residents to maintain safety and prevent harmful behaviors
• Safety Oversight: Maintain vigilance to prevent absconding and ensure community protection
• Behavior Guidance: Support residents in learning pro-social skills and responsible decision-making
• Case Management: Develop and update individualized treatment plans based on assessed needs
• Counseling Services: Provide individual, family, and group counseling to support resident growth
• Policy Compliance: Follow all bureau policies and adhere to state and federal regulations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week

• Work hours will be determined through shift work in a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week, 365-day a year operation, including weekends and holidays. Shifts are 8 hours with no duty-free lunch and may vary but normally consist of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You will work a 5-day work week with 2 regular days off.

• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,574.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• Four years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of experience as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership, or personal guidance of court adjudicated or socially maladjusted individuals in an organized program, and a bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile justice, or criminal justice; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership, or personal guidance of court adjudicated or socially maladjusted individuals in an organized program.

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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…