Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist , Central Region - CONTINUOUS

Position: Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist I, Central Region - CONTINUOUS

Job Title

Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist I, Central Region – CONTINUOUS (250000LS)

Job Description

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to fill the essential role of Juvenile Justice YDS I (JJYDS I). Selected candidates will work with juvenile justice‑involved youth and young adults (most are 16‑20 years old) in a 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week locked residential facility. In this team‑led environment, you will ensure the safety and security of the youth while offering the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible and independent adults.

Duties

and Responsibilities

• Observe
  —Monitor the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action to prevent disturbances or self‑harm and ensure staff and youth safety in compliance with policy.
• Collaborate as part of a team
  —Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support to the youth in daily activities such as classrooms, leisure/sports, mealtimes, hygiene, and clinical sessions.
• Serve as a role model
  —Assist youth in developing coping, social, and life skills while providing guidance to facilitate their re‑entry into the community.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment
  —Complete required program security measures, including supervision rounds, head counts, indoor/outdoor security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.

Working Conditions

• Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
• Physical interventions may be required if verbal de‑escalation attempts exhaust.
• This is a 24/7 facility. Nights, holidays, weekends and forced overtime are required.
• Travel may be required for training.

Required Qualifications

• Capacity to establish rapport with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Capability to make quick decisions in emergency or dangerous situations while remaining calm.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights.
• Ability to take direction and work under supervision of a senior staff member.

Location

288 Lyman Street, Westboro, MA 01581 & 363 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604

Schedule

Multiple shifts (24/7, nights, holidays, weekends). Mandatory overtime required.

Pre‑Employment Screening

• Drug screening
• Psychological screening
• Medical examination
• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

Pre‑Offer Process

A criminal background check will be completed as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Education and Certifications

Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A current, valid driver’s license may be required. Upon hire, a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, CPR, AED, and first aid is required.

Compensation

Salary range: $52,277.16 – $68,070.34 annually.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.

COVID‑19 Vaccination

Successful candidates must acknowledge and attest to COVID‑19 and influenza vaccination or mitigation measures.

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr