Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist I, Western Region - CONTINUOUS

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 a-day / 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.

The JJYDS I’s are the front-line direct care staff ensuring the safety and security of youth committed to the care and custody of the Department. Selected candidates would receive classroom and on-the-job training to ensure they successfully work in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment. JJYDS I’s will observe the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances, assaults, or self-harm. They will ensure the safety of staff and youth and ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures. JJYDS I will also act as a positive role model and advocate for youth working towards re-entry into the community.

Through our highly accredited training academy, you will be trained in the core principles of juvenile justice rehabilitation, safety, and security. As a Juvenile Justice residential team member, you will have the opportunity to positively influence a young person’s life and develop the necessary skills for professional development and growth.

Hear from DYS Insiders: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

Observe—Monitor the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances or self-harm and ensure the safety of staff and youth in compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.

Collaborate as part of a team—Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support to the youth in their daily activities, which include classrooms and afternoon leisure/sports, mealtime, hygiene, and clinical sessions.

Serve as a role model—Assist youth in developing coping, social, and life skills while providing guidance and support through daily interactions to facilitate their re-entry into the community.

Maintain a safe and secure environment- Complete required program security measures, including but not limited to supervision rounds, head counts, indoor and outdoor security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.

Working Conditions:

• Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
• In the event verbal de-escalation attempts are exhausted, you will be expected to use physical interventions to maintain safety and security in accordance with department policies.
• This is a 24/7 facility. You will be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends, including forced overtime.
• Travel may be required for training purposes.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 Years
• Capacity to establish a rapport with youth and staff from different ethnic, cultural and/or socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Capability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency and/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 the supervision and direction of a senior staff member.

For more information, please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services.

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

Schedule: Multiple

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime

Pre-Hire Process:

Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes:

• Drug Screening
• Psychological Screening
• Medical Examination
• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services before the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and ay be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

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

Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Upon hire, incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.