Juvenile Program Worker/Cook - Long Creek Youth Development Center, South Portland.

State of Maine•South Portland, ME

4d•$26 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

A Juvenile Program Worker (JPW) at Long Creek Youth Development Center is more than a traditional Youth Correctional Officer role. The detained and committed juvenile residents of Long Creek are up to 21 years old, often with a history of trauma and concurrent mental health and substance use disorders, chronic behavioral issues, and/or aggression. We recruit moral, ethical, and dependable candidates as JPWs to be a role model, life coach, and a positive, supportive adult that can be missing in their lives. JPWs blend youth correctional officer and social worker responsibilities and provide direct supervision, safety, security, assistance, and accountability. If you enjoy a challenge, thrive in high-pressure situations, have confidence that you will make a difference, and want to join a team of like-minded professionals dedicated to the transformation and treatment of juvenile residents, read on to learn more. As a Juvenile Program Worker - Cook, your work will involve preparing and serving approximately 180 meals per day. Responsibilities include monitoring security of assigned areas, instructing and training residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation, serving food, and assisting the Correctional Cook Supervisor. This position will also cover juvenile program worker's duties in the units when needed. To affect change in those in our care, a JPW is also a role model, life coach, and positive, supportive adult. A JPW truly can impact Maine’s justice-involved youth towards a better path.

Requirements

At least 18-Years-Old.
HS Diploma or Equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
Valid driver's license to apply, Maine driver’s license upon hire.
No serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records.
See Automatic Disqualifiers.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: Adolescent development and behavior.
Methods of providing care, custody, and supervision of juvenile residents in our care.
Counseling techniques and modern security principles and practices.
Trauma informed care.
Restorative justice practices.
Ability to: Model appropriate behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals.
Provide guidance and leadership to juveniles.
Communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and in writing.
Maintain order and supervise juveniles, individually and in groups.
Assess adverse situations and act according to appropriate protocol.
Exercise independent judgment, discretion, and self-control.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Observe and communicate situations and resident behavior in detail.
Prepare detailed reports of activities.
Understand and follow instructions, interpret, and enforce youth center rules.

Responsibilities

Be a mentor, act as a role model, and encourage positive pro-social change in juvenile residents.
Provide a safe and secure environment for adjudicated and detained youth.
Assist juvenile residents in meeting appropriate standards of behavior.
Ensure residents' compliance with rules and regulations.
Communicate with and de-escalate juvenile residents exhibiting difficulty interacting within the milieu.
Promote a normalization culture within Long Creek’s total learning environment.
Supervise, guide, and motivate juvenile residents to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Perform searches of living quarters and areas, buildings, and grounds to prevent possession of contraband.
Transport juvenile residents to court, appointments, and daily activities.
Observe and report individual and group interactions and resident participation in treatment programs.
Update logs, maintain detailed records, and share information to support the rehabilitation process.
Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding peer interactions, rules, and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and skills obtained through training provided to maintain safety and security.
Evaluate the potential for negative interactions and respond with trauma-informed interventions and behavior management.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurances.
25-year MainePERS Retirement.
Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick leave.
6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for new parents.
17 days of paid Military Leave for active-duty soldiers.
Employee Assistance Program offering free support on work/life, financial, legal, and confidential counseling matters.
Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $40 per month.
We are an eligible employer in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Uniforms provided.
Free meals when service is during your shift.
Paid Education, Training, & State Certification