Location: Danville,PA, USA
THE POSITION
NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2024-95318-41810. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM OCTOBER 3, 2024 TO OCTOBER 17, 2024, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION.
The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, North Central Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated Youth Development Counselors who can customize and implement effective individual treatment plans for court-adjudicated youth. Apply today to become part of a team proud to support positive change in the behaviors and the futures of juveniles.
Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
A Youth Development Counselor actively engages with court-adjudicated youth who require guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure setting. You will develop, implement, and monitor treatment programs for individuals, groups, and families. You will also counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems; maintain order in crisis situations by using verbal and physical intervention with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth; and use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes and control aggressiveness. This position requires a desire to work with a diverse population of some of the most difficult, vulnerable, and disrespectful court-adjudicated youth in Pennsylvania, along with a sincere desire to help them change behaviors that will lead to becoming productive citizens.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
* Full-time employment
* This position requires shift work in a 24/7/365 operation. You will work 8-hour shifts with no duty-free lunch. Shifts normally consist of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
* Work weeks are 5 days on and 2 days off. You will be required to work holidays and weekends as assigned.
* Travel and overtime may be required as needed.
* You must be willing to accept employment at North Central Secure Treatment Unit and commute to this locations in Danville, Montour Country.
* Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $61,903 (before taxes).
* You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
* Five years of experience as a Youth Development Aide; or
* Four years of experience as a Youth Development Aide Supervisor; or
* One year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program, and a bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile delinquency, or criminal justice; or
* An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one year of experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent or socially maladjusted youth 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 drug screening test.
* 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.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
EXAMINATION 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little extras that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
* Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Youth Development Aide for five or more years full-time?
* Yes
* No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Youth Development Aide Supervisor for four or more years full-time?
* Yes
* No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience in the care, custody, supervision, activities, leadership, or personal guidance of delinquent, pre-delinquent, or socially maladjusted youth in an organized program?
* Yes
* No
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
What level of college coursework have you completed with major coursework in the behavioral sciences, special education, juvenile delinquency, or criminal justice?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the Attachments tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the Attachments tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
* 120 credits or more
* 90 but less than 120 credits
* 60 but less than 90 credits
* 30 but less than 60 credits
* Less than 30 credits
* None
08
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which Level of Performance most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The Level of Performance you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the Yes button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
* Yes
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - FACILITATES, SCHEDULES, AND SUPERVISES FAMILY SERVICES
Facilitate, schedule, and supervise family engagement, involvement, and visitation, and provide counseling services to families.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have facilitated, scheduled, and supervised family engagement, involvement, and visitation and I have provided counseling services to families.
* B. I have facilitated, scheduled, and supervised family engagement, involvement, and visitation, but I have not provided counseling services to families.
* C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling or social work.
* D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
10
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The type(s) of counseling services you provided
* The actual duties you performed
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University/Training Source
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - MAINTAINS SECURITY MEASURES
Maintains security measures (such as checking doors, windows and locks, fire alarms, etc.), and cleanliness standards, and searches residents and all areas for contraband, to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of staff and residents. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience maintaining security measures and cleanliness standards AND I have searched residents and all areas for contraband.
* B. I have experience maintaining security measures and cleanliness standards; however, I HAVE NOT searched residents or areas for contraband.
* C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* What security measures you maintained
* For what contraband did you search residents or areas
* The actual duties you performed
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - MAINTAINS A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT
Maintain a safe and secure environment by being vigilant through the supervision of residents in order to provide a safe living environment, which includes the prevention of harmful behaviors by residents towards themselves or others, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with disruptive, emotionally disturbed, and suicidal youth to prevent escapes and control aggressiveness.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.
* B. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.
* C. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in a NON-RESTRICTIVE/NON-SECURE SETTING.
* D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to behavioral science or criminal justice.
* E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The types of youth you worked with (court adjudicated or non-court adjudicated)
* The specific setting you were in (restricted, secure, etc.)
* The actual duties you performed (responding to disruptive incidents or emergencies, utilizing de-escalation/restraint techniques, etc.)
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PREPARES REPORTS, LOG BOOKS, AND DATA ENTRIES
Prepare, review, and submit incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; and prepare daily progress reports, log book entries, and enter data into a case management system in order to maintain accurate records.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience preparing and reviewing incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; AND I have prepared daily progress reports, log book entries, and entered data into a case management system.
* B. I have experience preparing and reviewing incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; AND I have prepared daily progress reports, log book entries, but I have NOT entered data into a case management system.
* C. I have experience preparing other record keeping reports or documents not related to an individual's treatment progression.
* D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, or journalism.
* E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The type(s) of reports or documents you prepared or reviewed
* The type(s) of data you have entered into a case management system
* The actual duties you performed
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - IMPLEMENTS AND FACILITATES COMPETENCY AND TREATMENT GROUP CURRICULUMS
Implement and facilitate the competency (educational, skill building) and treatment (counseling) group curriculums to reinforce accountability, community protection, and competency development.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience implementing and facilitating the competency and treatment group curriculums for COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH.
* B. I have experience implementing and facilitating treatment group curriculums for ANY YOUTH, but I HAVE NOT implemented or facilitated the competency group curriculums.
* C. I have experience implementing and facilitating the competency group curriculums for ANY YOUTH, but I HAVE NOT implemented or facilitated treatment group curriculums.
* D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling or social work.
* E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The type(s) of treatment group curriculums you implemented or facilitated
* The type(s) of competency group curriculums you implemented or facilitated
* For whom were these curriculums implemented or facilitated (court adjudicated youth, any youth)
* The actual duties you performed
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University/Training Source
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
23
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - DEVELOPS, REVIEWS, AND IMPLEMENTS YOUTH TREATMENT PLANS
Develop, review, and implement youth treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, to ensure that residents receive the therapeutic services to which they are entitled.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience developing AND implementing treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, for COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH to ensure they received the therapeutic services to which they are entitled.
* B. I have experience developing AND implementing treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, for ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) to ensure they received the therapeutic services to which they were entitled.
* C. I have experience developing or implementing other types of plans, such as behavior, work training, educational, etc., for ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH). but I have NOT developed or implemented individualized counseling services;
* D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling, social work, or education.
* E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
24
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The type(s) of plans you developed or implemented
* The type(s) of individualized counseling services that were included in the plans
* The type of youth you worked with (court adjudicated, non-court adjudicated)
* The actual duties you performed
25
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University/Training Source
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
26
WORK BEHAVIOR 7 - PROVIDES INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE TO RESIDENTS
Provide instruction and guidance to residents in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities, to include but not limited to, pro-social skills, moral reasoning, academic, workforce development skills and job training, and independent living skills and life skills; and role model pro-social values and ideals in order to provide insight into more responsible behaviors and to elicit a genuine desire to change.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities IN A RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.
* B. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.
* C. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities in a NON-RESTRICTIVE/NON-SECURE SETTING.
* D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to behavioral sciences.
* E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
27
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* The type(s) of youth you worked with (court adjudicated, non-court adjudicated)
* The specific setting you were in (restricted, secure, etc.)
* What instruction or guidance you provided
* The actual duties you performed
28
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website