A Youth Counselor or Worker works with young people, primarily ages 13-18, to provide mentoring and support for dealing with problems. Works in a school or community-based program; may assist with referrals from parole or probation offices. Collaborates with teachers, family members, social workers and health care professionals to help young people facing challenges or crises.
Youth Development Counselor North Central Secure Treatment Unit Commonwealth of
PA - 3.6
Danville, PA Job Details Full-time $64,574 - $98,144 a year 2 days ago Benefits Free parking Paid parental leave Internal mobility program Health insurance Dental insurance Military leave Paid time off Paid military leave Parental leave Vision insurance Flexible schedule Retirement plan Paid sick time Qualifications Behavioral interventions Case documentation in social services Inmate supervision At-risk youth mentorship Bachelor's degree in special education Treatment plan documentation Mid-level Criminal Justice Emergency response in crisis intervention Juvenile justice system Child safety supervision Youth counseling Progress documentation Special Education 1 year Monitoring residents Bachelor's degree in criminal justice Student safety monitoring Working with youth Full Job Description
THE POSITION
Make a meaningful difference as a Youth Development Counselor with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS) where your dedication supports treatment centered on safety, growth, and opportunity for young people. At the North Central Secure Treatment Unit, you guide individuals as they learn new skills, strengthen their behavior, and work toward more hopeful futures. This position allows you to motivate youth who benefit from steady leadership and clear expectations. Your focused efforts help each young person move forward with stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction. Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role focuses on guiding youth through daily activities and providing structure, safety, and support in the youth development center/youth forestry camp (YDC/YFC) system. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will perform the following duties:
Safety Monitoring:
Maintain constant awareness of residents to prevent harmful behaviors and ensure a secure environment
Behavior Guidance:
Model pro-social values and teach appropriate behaviors through daily interactions
Case Support:
Assist with developing and updating individualized treatment plans and documenting resident progress
Resident Supervision:
Escort and oversee residents during activities, appointments, and visits on and off grounds
Crisis Response:
Respond to emergencies by applying appropriate interventions and determining necessary actions
Documentation Duties:
Prepare reports and maintain required records in accordance with agency guidelines 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 hours per week Work weeks are 5 days on and 2 days off. Work hours include 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Free parking
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 $64,574.00 (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:
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.
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.