Job Description
Posting number: CS-2026-59751-41810
Department: Department of Human Services
Division: HS Bur Juv Jus Srvs Ctrl Rgn
Job classification: Youth Development Counselor
Posting type: SCSC E&T Vacancy
Categories: Corrections, Social Services
Summary
As a Youth Development Counselor with the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, you will help young people reshape their futures through guidance and support. This position offers the chance to make a positive impact every day by helping residents develop new skills and healthier behaviors. You will work in a team-focused environment where commitment and compassion matter. If you enjoy guiding others toward more confident and capable lives, apply today.
Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!
Examples of duties
This position focuses on providing counseling, supervision, and guidance to residents at the South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit. The role supports rehabilitation and skill-building in a structured and secure environment. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will perform the following duties:
- Resident Supervision: Supervise residents to maintain safety and prevent harmful behaviors
- Safety Oversight: Maintain vigilance to prevent absconding and ensure community protection
- Behavior Guidance: Support residents in learning pro-social skills and responsible decision-making
- Case Management: Develop and update individualized treatment plans based on assessed needs
- Counseling Services: Provide individual, family, and group counseling to support resident growth
- Policy Compliance: Follow all bureau policies and adhere to state and federal regulations
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 hours will be determined through shift work in a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week, 365-day a year operation, including weekends and holidays. Shifts are 8 hours with no duty-free lunch and may vary but normally consist of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You will work a 5-day work week with 2 regular days off.
- 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.
Qualifications
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:
Legal Requirements:
- A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and 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.
Supplemental 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.
