Address
Form of workSalary: $60,693.00 - $92,281.00 Annually
Location :Luzerne County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2023-70684-41810
Department: Department of Human Services
Division: HS Bur Juv Jus Srvs Estrn Rgn
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 41810
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: SEIU
Bargaining Unit: F4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00210783
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services / Eastern Region
Worksite Address:North East Secure Treatment Unit
Worksite Address: 701 Sathers Drive
City: Pittston, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 18640
Contact Name: HHS Intake Section
Contact Email: ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you a compassionate and empathetic person with a strong personality who is willing to help some of the most vulnerable and difficult court-adjudicated youth in Pennsylvania? The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, North East Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated Youth Development Counselors who can develop and implement effective individual treatment plans for court-adjudicated youth that produce positive results in changed behaviors. You must be willing to intervene in crisis and controversial situations to prevent harmful behaviors while holding others plus yourself accountable for actions. The work is demanding, but the satisfaction of knowing you are committed to helping these youth change behaviors that will lead to becoming productive citizens makes this a very rewarding career. Apply today and experience what a public service career has to offer you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Youth Development Counselor, you actively engage with court-adjudicated youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting.
Duties include developing, implementing, and monitoring individual treatment program plans to include individual, group, and family counseling sessions. You assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. When appropriate, you address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth. Use of appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe, secure, or restricted environment is required. You will be provided training on the proper techniques. You also provide guidance in social and emotional growth by role modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire in court-adjudicated youth to change behaviors.
Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Other Requirements:
Legal Requirements:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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
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 !
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, six 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 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?
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?
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?
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 also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
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 validi...
Location :Luzerne County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2023-70684-41810
Department: Department of Human Services
Division: HS Bur Juv Jus Srvs Estrn Rgn
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 41810
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: SEIU
Bargaining Unit: F4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00210783
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services / Eastern Region
Worksite Address:North East Secure Treatment Unit
Worksite Address: 701 Sathers Drive
City: Pittston, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 18640
Contact Name: HHS Intake Section
Contact Email: ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you a compassionate and empathetic person with a strong personality who is willing to help some of the most vulnerable and difficult court-adjudicated youth in Pennsylvania? The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, North East Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated Youth Development Counselors who can develop and implement effective individual treatment plans for court-adjudicated youth that produce positive results in changed behaviors. You must be willing to intervene in crisis and controversial situations to prevent harmful behaviors while holding others plus yourself accountable for actions. The work is demanding, but the satisfaction of knowing you are committed to helping these youth change behaviors that will lead to becoming productive citizens makes this a very rewarding career. Apply today and experience what a public service career has to offer you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Youth Development Counselor, you actively engage with court-adjudicated youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting.
Duties include developing, implementing, and monitoring individual treatment program plans to include individual, group, and family counseling sessions. You assess and counsel youth about their thought processes, actions, and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. When appropriate, you address crisis situations to maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper, and suicidal youth. Use of appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and maintain a safe, secure, or restricted environment is required. You will be provided training on the proper techniques. You also provide guidance in social and emotional growth by role modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire in court-adjudicated youth to change behaviors.
Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 40-hour work week.
- Work hours: This is a 24/7/365 operation, you are required to work holidays and weekends, 8-hour shifts with no duty-free lunch. Work weeks are 5 days on and 2 days off, normally consisting of working at least one weekend day/night shift, hours normally consist of two 3:00 PM to -11:00 PM shifts and three 7:00 AM-3:00 PM shifts.
- May change based on operational needs.
- Must be willing to accept employment at North East Secure Treatment Unit and commute to this location in Pittston, Luzerne County.
- Overtime as needed, both voluntary and mandatory if necessary.
- Travel is required as needed.
- FREE PARKING!
- The Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- 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 waivedfor 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.
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%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
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, six 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 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 also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
- 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 validi...
