Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist , Western Region - CONTINUOUS

Overview

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) seeks dedicated individuals for the Juvenile Justice YDS I (JJYDS I) role. Selected candidates will work with juvenile justice-involved youth and young adults (primarily 16–20 years old) in a 24/7 locked residential facility. You will help ensure safety and security while supporting the development of knowledge and life skills to promote responsible, independent adulthood.

JJYDS I staff are front-line, direct-care team members responsible for the safety and custody of youth in our care. This role includes classroom and on-the-job training to thrive in a dynamic environment. You will observe youth conduct, take appropriate actions to prevent disturbances, self-harm, and ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and procedures. You will act as a positive role model and advocate for youth re-entry into the community.

Through our training academy, you will learn core principles of juvenile justice rehabilitation, safety, and security, and have opportunities for professional development and growth.

For insight from DYS staff, please note this informational resource is available but not linked here.

• Observe
  — Monitor youth conduct and take actions to prevent disturbances or self-harm, ensuring safety in line with policies and procedures.
• Collaborate as part of a team
  — Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support during daily activities including classrooms, leisure/sports, meals, hygiene, and clinical sessions.
• Serve as a role model
  — Help youth develop coping, social, and life skills and support reintegration into the community.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment
  — Complete program security measures such as supervision rounds, head counts, security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.

• Exposed to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
• May require physical interventions in de-escalation scenarios in accordance with department policies.
• This is a 24/7 facility; you will work nights, holidays, weekends, and may have mandatory overtime.
• Travel may be required for training.

• Minimum age: 21
• Ability to establish rapport with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to interact with individuals under stress
• Ability to make quick, calm decisions in emergencies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights
• Ability to take direction and work under supervision

For more information, please visit the department’s website (no links provided here).

Work Location: 51 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085

Schedule: Multiple

Mandatory overtime may be required.

Pre-Hire — Candidates must pass a pre-employment screen including drug screening, psychological screening, medical examination, and a Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Pre-Offer — Criminal background check will be completed as required by regulations before hire.

Education and certifications will be verified per hiring guidelines. Information provided may be subject to public records laws.

If you require an ADA accommodation, please request via the appropriate online form. For questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at (option
4).

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some assignments may require a valid driver’s license. Upon hire, you may be required to maintain certifications in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, CPR, AED, and first aid.

Comprehensive Benefits — DYS offers a suite of employee benefits; refer to the benefits page for specifics.

Equal Opportunity — The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. We encourage individuals with the necessary skills to apply.