Youth Development Representative

Job Summary

The DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) mission is to improve public safety and give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.

DYRS is an agency tasked with providing holistic and therapeutic programs and services to adjudicated youth between the ages of 12-21 in the District of Columbia. It serves as the district’s cabinet level juvenile justice agency. DYRS administers detention, commitment, and aftercare services for youth held under its care in its secure facilities or residing in the DC community.

The Youth Development Representative (YDR) position is in the Secured Programs Division, under the purview of the Deputy Director of Secured Programs with the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Provides for the day-to-day direct supervision and positive engagement of youth in the department's care and custody; is vigilant in the performance of assigned duties and is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team endeavoring to rehabilitate and provide safe, secure, and humane treatment of youth in custody. Maintains ongoing visual contact with all youth under their supervision and engages the youth in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner.

Transports youth to court and other varied locations; supervises recreational activities; maintains custody of youth in hospitals and medical clinics, and monitors living, dining, and educational areas, in an engaging and interactive manner, while assuring youth and staff safety.

During non-academic programming, serves as a role model to youth, leads and participates in recreation and group sessions with youth, and assists with the development of appropriate life and social skills. De‑escalate conflicts, tensions, fights or other disturbances, and when necessary, physically restrains and imposes discipline of youth consistent with department policies and procedures.

Documents report and officially enters incidents into the department's computerized information system and/or logbooks in the event of an incident and submits detailed written reports. Responsible for supervising and engaging youth through behavioral management programs that are implemented in the facility.

As part of a team, evaluates youth on DYRS' behavior management and modification system, and participates with Youth Family Team meetings to provide input on youth's behavior and case planning. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.

Or

Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. To be creditable, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the line of progression.

Required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a DC Government vehicle.

Work is performed in a juvenile detention facility. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems.

Due to the nature of the responsibilities of this position, work hours are on a rotational basis to any of DYRS facilities, group homes, or service areas. This facility is a 24/7 operation. Shifts may vary. Rotational tour of work normally…