Youth Development Counselor - Youth Forestry Camp 3

Full Job Description

Are you driven by a passion for helping others and creating meaningful change that fosters personal growth and lasting success?

The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is seeking dedicated Youth Development Counselors to work with court-adjudicated youth at Youth Forestry Camp #3, supporting positive changes in behavior as they rebuild their lives.

In this role, you will be essential to their rehabilitation and social growth, using your commitment and expertise to promote positive attitudes and responsible behavior.

We are looking for counselors who are ready to make an impact and dedicated to forming strong, supportive relationships with both staff and youth.

Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career!

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

Requirements

As a Youth Development Counselor, you will actively engage with court-adjudicated youth in a secure or restricted setting, providing guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services.

You will develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans that incorporate individual, group, and family counseling.

Responsibilities include assessing and counseling youth to help them better understand their thoughts, behaviors, and personal challenges, fostering the development of responsible attitudes and decision-making skills.

You will respond to crisis situations as needed, using appropriate verbal and physical intervention techniques to de-escalate disruptive, emotionally distressed, or potentially self-harm behaviors and to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Training in approved physical restraint methods will be provided to support safety and security.

Additionally, you will promote social and emotional development by serving as a positive role model, reinforcing values and behaviors that encourage meaningful and lasting change.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40-hour work 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 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 five-day work week with two regular days off.

Your schedule may change based on operational needs.

• Travel: As needed
• Overtime: As needed, including both voluntary and potentially mandatory overtime.
• 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 $63,301.00 (before taxes).
• You must be willing to accept employment at Youth Forestry Camp 3 and commute to this location in James Creek, Huntingdon County.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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.
  

Other Requirements:

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

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a 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 clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.