Youth Development Counselor, North East Secure Treatment Unit, Luzerne County

Youth Development Counselor, North East Secure Treatment Unit, Luzerne CountyPrint (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4469922) ApplyYouth Development Counselor, North East Secure Treatment Unit, Luzerne CountySalary$60,693.00 - $92,281.00 AnnuallyLocation Luzerne County, PAJob TypeCivil Service Permanent Full-TimeJob NumberCS-2024-82046-41810DepartmentDepartment of Human ServicesDivisionHS Bur Juv Jus Srvs Estrn RgnOpening Date04/18/2024Closing Date5/2/2024 11:59 PM EasternJob Code41810Position NumberMultiple positions may be filled from this posting.UnionSEIU Local 668Bargaining UnitF4Pay GroupST07Bureau / Division Code00210881Worksite Address701 Sathers DriveCityPittston, PennsylvaniaZip Code18640Contact NameHHS Intake SectionContact Emailra-oahhsintakesec@pa.govBureau / DivisionBureau of Juvenile Justice Services / Eastern Region, North East Secure Treatment Unit

Description

Benefits

Questions

THE POSITIONWould a career where you can make a positive impact on the lives of troubled youth feel rewarding? Are you patient and empathetic? The Department of Human Services, North East Secure Treatment Unit is seeking dedicated counselors who can develop and implement effective individual treatment plans for court-adjudicated youth. Our Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/DHS-Offices/Pages/OCYF-Bureau%20of%20Juvenile%20Justice%20Services.aspx) counselors are willing to intervene in crisis and controversial situations to prevent harmful behaviors while holding others, including yourself, accountable for actions. This position requires a willingness to work with a diverse population of some of the most difficult, vulnerable, and disrespectful court-adjudicated youth in Pennsylvania along with a sincere desire to help them change behaviors that will lead to becoming productive citizens. This is a challenging career, but one where your positive actions can hugely impact the future of children who need it. Apply today and take the first step in making a difference in the lives of others. DESCRIPTION OF WORKAs a Youth Development Counselor, you actively engage with court-adjudicated youth who require guidance, instruction, treatment, and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting. You develop, implement and monitor individual treatment program plans to include individual, group, and family counseling sessions. Also, 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. You will be properly trained on how to use appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness, and to maintain a safe and secure environment is required. In addition, you 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.Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PDNEOGOV.asp?p=00056550) . Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment, 40-hour work week

Work hours are Shift work in a 24/7/365 operation, including holidays and weekends, 8-hour shifts, with no duty-free lunch. Work weeks are 5 days on and 2 days off normally consisting of:

Three (3) days of 1st shift: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and

Two (2) days of 3rd shift: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

May change based on operational needs.

The Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.

Travel: As needed

Overtime: As needed - voluntary and possible mandatory

Must be willing to accept employment at South East Secure Treatment Unit and commute to this location in Pittston, Luzerne County .

FREE PARKING

Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONS 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

A n 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 (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) is currentlywaived for this title.

You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

A conditional offer of employment will require a satisfactory completion of a medical examination and a drug screening test.

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 willnotbe 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).

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/testoncefor this posting.

Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !Health & WellnessWe 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 PlanningWe 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 BalanceWe 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 CultureWe 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 PerksSometimes, 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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov 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 visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and 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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer 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 validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page. (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3)

Yes

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - FACILITATES, SCHEDULES, AND SUPERVISES FAMILY SERVICES

Facilitate, schedule, and supervise family engagement, involvement, and visitation, and provide counseling services to families.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have facilitated, scheduled, and supervised family engagement, involvement, and visitation and I have provided counseling services to families.

B. I have facilitated, scheduled, and supervised family engagement, involvement, and visitation, but I have not provided counseling services to families.

C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling or social work.

D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

10

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The type(s) of counseling services you provided

The actual duties you performed

11

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - MAINTAINS SECURITY MEASURES

Maintains security measures (such as checking doors, windows and locks, fire alarms, etc.), and cleanliness standards, and searches residents and all areas for contraband, to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of staff and residents.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience maintaining security measures and cleanliness standards AND I have searched residents and all areas for contraband.

B. I have experience maintaining security measures and cleanliness standards; however, I HAVE NOT searched residents or areas for contraband.

C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

What security measures you maintained

For what contraband did you search residents or areas

The actual duties you performed

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - MAINTAINS A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT

Maintain a safe and secure environment by being vigilant through the supervision of residents in order to provide a safe living environment, which includes the prevention of harmful behaviors by residents towards themselves or others, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with disruptive, emotionally disturbed, and suicidal youth to prevent escapes and control aggressiveness.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.

B. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.

C. I have experience maintaining a safe and secure environment, preventing harmful behaviors, responding to emergencies, and utilizing appropriate de-escalation/restraint techniques with ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in a NON-RESTRICTIVE/NON-SECURE SETTING.

D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to behavioral science or criminal justice.

E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

15

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The types of youth you worked with (court adjudicated or non-court adjudicated)

The specific setting you were in (restricted, secure, etc.)

The actual duties you performed (responding to disruptive incidents or emergencies, utilizing de-escalation/restraint techniques, etc.)

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PREPARES REPORTS, LOG BOOKS, AND DATA ENTRIES

Prepare, review, and submit incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; and prepare daily progress reports, log book entries, and enter data into a case management system in order to maintain accurate records.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience preparing and reviewing incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; AND I have prepared daily progress reports, log book entries, and entered data into a case management system.

B. I have experience preparing and reviewing incident and injury reports, records, and documents on youths' daily activities to record instances of injury, type of crises, or misconduct; AND I have prepared daily progress reports, log book entries, but I have NOT entered data into a case management system.

C. I have experience preparing other record keeping reports or documents not related to an individual's treatment progression.

D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, or journalism.

E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The type(s) of reports or documents you prepared or reviewed

The type(s) of data you have entered into a case management system

The actual duties you performed

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - IMPLEMENTS AND FACILITATES COMPETENCY AND TREATMENT GROUP CURRICULUMS

Implement and facilitate the competency (educational, skill building) and treatment (counseling) group curriculums to reinforce accountability, community protection, and competency development.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience implementing and facilitating the competency and treatment group curriculums for COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH.

B. I have experience implementing and facilitating treatment group curriculums for ANY YOUTH, but I HAVE NOT implemented or facilitated the competency group curriculums.

C. I have experience implementing and facilitating the competency group curriculums for ANY YOUTH, but I HAVE NOT implemented or facilitated treatment group curriculums.

D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling or social work.

E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The type(s) of treatment group curriculums you implemented or facilitated

The type(s) of competency group curriculums you implemented or facilitated

For whom were these curriculums implemented or facilitated (court adjudicated youth, any youth)

The actual duties you performed

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

23

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - DEVELOPS, REVIEWS, AND IMPLEMENTS YOUTH TREATMENT PLANS

Develop, review, and implement youth treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, to ensure that residents receive the therapeutic services to which they are entitled.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience developing AND implementing treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, for COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH to ensure they received the therapeutic services to which they are entitled.

B. I have experience developing AND implementing treatment plans, including individualized counseling services, for ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) to ensure they received the therapeutic services to which they were entitled.

C. I have experience developing or implementing other types of plans, such as behavior, work training, educational, etc., for ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH). but I have NOT developed or implemented individualized counseling services;

D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or training related to counseling, social work, or education.

E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

24

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The type(s) of plans you developed or implemented

The type(s) of individualized counseling services that were included in the plans

The type of youth you worked with (court adjudicated, non-court adjudicated)

The actual duties you performed

25

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

26

WORK BEHAVIOR 7 - PROVIDES INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE TO RESIDENTS

Provide instruction and guidance to residents in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities, to include but not limited to, pro-social skills, moral reasoning, academic, workforce development skills and job training, and independent living skills and life skills; and role model pro-social values and ideals in order to provide insight into more responsible behaviors and to elicit a genuine desire to change.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities IN A RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.

B. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING.

C. I have experience providing instruction and guidance to ANY YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH) in developing proper and acceptable behavior, attitudes, and competencies in their daily activities in a NON-RESTRICTIVE/NON-SECURE SETTING.

D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to behavioral sciences.

E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

27

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

The type(s) of youth you worked with (court adjudicated, non-court adjudicated)

The specific setting you were in (restricted, secure, etc.)

What instruction or guidance you provided

The actual duties you performed

28

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

AgencyCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress613 North StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120Websitehttp://www.employment.pa.gov