Address
Form of workThe Department of Youth Services (DYS), under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 18A, 119 and 120, is the juvenile justice agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Department's mission is to protect the public and prevent crime by promoting positive change in the lives of youth committed to DYS care and custody, and by partnering with communities, families, public, and provider agencies toward this end. The Department accomplishes its mission through interventions that build knowledge, develop skills and promote positive change in the behavior of the youth in DYS care and custody. The primary goal of these interventions is to reintegrate youth back to the community as productive citizens.
DYS works in partnership with sister state agencies, the legislature, provider agencies, law enforcement and school officials, families, communities and others to ensure that the services provided are effective and that they create pathways to success for the young men and women in DYS care and custody. By working in close collaboration with these entities, DYS can continue to help make communities better and safer places.
For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view
The DYS service continuum includes approximately 39 state and provider operated residential programs, 5 independent living programs, 3 regional reception centers, 9 overnight arrest programs and 21 community-based programs to serve youths who live in the community (residing with a parent, guardian, foster parent or in a transitional living program).
Training Academy Director's role is to design, implement and oversee the delivery a comprehensive training curriculum for its' employees and contracted provider staff for the agency as described above in topics ranging from basic training to staff professional development and specialized competency programs; to supervise the training staff and to oversee the building of the DYS Training Academy.
The Assistant Training Director would report to the Training Director who is part of the Legal Unit and Senior Staff of the agency. DYS is seeking to add an Assistant Training Director for the following:
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
Oversee the DYS Basic Training program including all details of Training including room scheduling, application process, completion of Training materials, certificates, identification cards and ensure records of Training are maintained accurately and easily retrievable.
Teach and oversee the Trainers responsible for the basic training courses including specific juvenile correction and staff development topics as needed or expertise allows.
Review, reorganize, schedule and update curriculum for DYS Basic Training program based on needs of agency and to develop ways to create flexible training programs in order to minimize both interference with program scheduling needs and overtime costs.
Monitor and research latest training curriculums on juvenile justice, and federal and state mandates in order to formulate curriculum in coordination with Training Director.
Coordinate and collaborate with DYS Training Director, Executive Staff and DYS Regional Training Coordinators and other DYS staff to meet agency's training needs.
Act as liaison as requested by Training Director to EOHHS, CSD and other agencies, departments, internal and external boards/committees on training and offer training information for outside inquires Develop effective ways of soliciting feedback from training programs and communicating this information to the Director of Policy and Training and other Senior Staff as appropriate; use this feedback to identify gaps in DYS training program.
Developing and implementing curriculum and training modules to meet and enhance the training of the agency in order to support safety, security and other needs of DYS state and provider employees.
Managing the Training Center Trainers in conjunction with the adjuncts, regional training coordinators and senior staff of the central office and regional offices to ensure training modules are delivered in the most effective way for state and provider staff working in 24/7 residential programs and community.
The Assistant Director would communicate with and builds relationships with external groups and individuals concerning to trainings, policies, priorities, programs and operations as it relates to DYS Basic Training and Annual Review. This position receives and responds to telephone and written requests from a variety of parties, including legislators, EOHHS, JDAI statewide and county committees, non-profit organizations, providers and municipalities regarding our curriculum and sharing information. This position in support of the Training Director and Legal Office provides information and advice to the general public, stakeholders and interested parties at meetings, conferences and public forums.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of policy analysis, performance management systems and metrics.
Knowledge of the needs of youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Knowledge of state and national juvenile justice policies and regulations.
Knowledge of legislative, budget, outreach and communication policies and processes.
Knowledge and experience in program development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures in written and verbal responses to requests for information.
Ability to conceptualize the decisions and information needs of the office and identify policy and program choices and options creatively.
Ability to analyze youth and juvenile justice related legislation and policy.
Ability to deal with external individuals and organizations in a diplomatic and efficient manner.
Ability to develop and implement legislative and communication strategies based on the needs of the office.
Ability to properly assess the impact of outside forces.
Ability to coordinate and direct activity on a project basis.
Ability to communicate agency mission, services, programs, and policy positions.
Ability to develop responses to program and operations issues identified by the Commissioner and DYS Executive team.
Ability to work with high-level state officials, external stakeholders, and other interested parties.
Ability to adjust to varying and changing situations to meet required objectives.
Ability to understand, apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to relate specific policy issues to the bigger picture and overall mission.
Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation.
Skilled in problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and team building.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM, with Saturday and Sunday off. Candidate must be flexible with their work schedule.
About the Department of Youth Services:
As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development. For more information, please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services.
Pre-Offer Process:
Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes: 1) Drug Screening; 2) Psychological Screening; 3) Medical Examination; and 4) Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for direct care positions. If you would like more information, please logon to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the Pre-Employment process.
A criminal and tax history 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 prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants".
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 may 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 the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.
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!
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
