Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist III, Shift Administrator, Northeast Revocation

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Middleton, MA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a positive, service-minded Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist III to work with juvenile justice-involved young people ages 12–20 in residential facilities. The position performs care and security activities for youth in DYS custody and supervises assigned shifts, providing guidance and direction to Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialists and Shift Supervisors. The role includes supervising up to six direct-report staff, coordinating shift activities and resources, maintaining facility security, supporting youth safety and development, and ensuring operations comply with applicable policies, laws, regulations, and standards.

The position involves custodial care and supervision, security checks and searches, youth intake and recordkeeping, crisis and behavior management, group facilitation, transportation and escort duties, and coordination of youth programs and services. Staff may encounter verbal or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments, and may be required to restrain youth. The assigned schedule is second shift, 1:00 PM–11:00 PM, with Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday off. Mandatory overtime is required. The role typically follows a five-day, eight-hour workweek, but may involve extended hours, nights, holidays, weekends, and in-state travel; out-of-state travel may be required depending on assignment.

Applicants must meet the stated minimum entrance requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of qualifying full-time or equivalent part-time experience, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and substitutions. An associate degree or higher may substitute for one year of the required experience. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and pass pre-employment drug, psychological, medical, and physical abilities screenings. A background check and verification of education, licenses, and certifications are conducted. Upon hire, employees must complete and maintain certifications in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, CPR, AED, and first aid. A driver's license may be required based on assignment.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have at least two years of qualifying full-time or equivalent part-time experience in the military or working with at-risk or justice-involved youth and/or adults in relevant capacities, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, or meet the stated equivalent combination of experience and substitutions.
• An associate degree or higher may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Ability to supervise, plan and assign work, account for subordinate capabilities and available resources, and review or evaluate work.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing assigned activities.
• Knowledge of factors, trends, and challenges in secure residential and rehabilitative youth care, including Positive Youth Development and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through questioning and observation.
• Ability to interact with people under physical or emotional stress and remain calm in stressful and emergency situations.
• Effective oral and written communication, including giving precise and understandable instructions.
• Ability to establish rapport and deal tactfully with people from different ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, including restraining or subduing youth using appropriate techniques when necessary.
• Ability to talk and/or hear, stand, walk, run, kneel, climb stairs, and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 pounds, with or without assistance or devices.
• Complete and maintain certifications in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, CPR, AED, and first aid upon hire.
• Possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at the class level required by the assignment, if applicable.
• Pass pre-employment drug screening, psychological screening, medical examination, and Physical Abilities Test.
• Complete the required criminal background check and education, license, and certification verification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with youth, including residential care, treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation of juveniles and/or adult offenders.
• Proven ability to interact with youth in a supportive, safe, and encouraging way.
• Program measurement, reporting, and evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of public and private organizations providing services to juveniles, such as settlement houses, child guidance clinics, and health, welfare, and recreation agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the security, control, and supervision of the assigned shift and compliance with unit policies, rules, and regulations.
• Supervise up to six direct-report staff; direct staff and resident activities, plan activities, and coordinate resources.
• Communicate concerns or problems raised by direct reports through the chain of command.
• Maintain custodial care and control of youth and facility order and security through rounds, head counts, security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.
• Observe youth conduct and take appropriate action to prevent disturbances or escapes, maintain compliance, and protect the safety of staff and youth.
• Provide one-to-one youth watch, including suicide, elevated, and medical watch.
• Conduct youth intake and complete documentation, behavioral records, incident reports, and transportation, medical, visitor, and daily operations logs.
• Provide crisis and behavior management and facilitate or co-facilitate group meetings to help youth develop coping, pro-social, and life skills.
• Build rapport with youth, advocate for their needs, and provide guidance and support through daily interaction and role modeling to facilitate community re-entry.
• Perform and oversee youth care activities, including escorting or transporting youth to activities, recreation, meetings, and medical appointments.
• Participate in facility activities to maintain order and security and monitor youth participation.
• Maintain electronic records of youth behavior and activities, including incident reports.
• Coordinate and oversee assigned programs, services, or divisions to support effective operations, appropriate care and treatment, and compliance with governing requirements.
• Monitor staff deployment by checking duty stations and ensuring assigned tasks are completed.

Benefits

• The Commonwealth offers a suite of employee benefits supporting employees, their loved ones, and their future; specific benefits are described in the Employee Benefits and Rewards information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED