Youth Services Caseworker - Roxbury/Chelsea District Office

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education, and support to young people ages 12-21. Most of the youth served are between the ages of 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment. The Department of Youth Services employs staff in various professions and backgrounds to engage young people in strategies that support positive youth development. As a key member of the residential team, direct-care staff must monitor and provide on-site and immediate intervention of DYS youth in our residential facilities.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• At least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in work that involves overseeing and providing for the care and custody of youth and/or adult offenders, counseling and/or coordinating the delivery of services to youth and/or adult offenders or in a related law enforcement capacity
• Incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
• Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years.
• Candidate must be flexible.

Nice To Haves

• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Considerable knowledge of casework principles and methods.
• Considerable knowledge of the cases, rehabilitative methods, and prevention of juvenile delinquency.
• Considerable knowledge of State laws pertaining to juvenile laws and juvenile rights.
• Considerable knowledge of community agencies’ capacity to provide resources to youth with special needs and the role of community agencies on youth behavior.
• Working knowledge of the principle of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
• Knowledge of and experience in community corrections.
• Knowledge of pathways to delinquency.
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Knowledge of Mental Health/Trauma issues in adolescents.
• Ability/Desire to work with juvenile offenders using a team approach.
• Knowledge of gender-responsive principles as it pertains to adolescent.
• Certified in Restraint, CPR, and Crisis Intervention

Responsibilities

• Complete diagnostic assessments on youth committed to the agency by conducting home visits and assessments. Interview family members and caregivers with a focus on such areas as developmental and behavioral history, family and educational history and peer relationships, delinquency behavior, and substance abuse; review medication and medical history to provide appropriate services to the youth based on assessment and to determine the youth’s risk and/or needs.
• Develop a service delivery plan and monitor implementation by reviewing and updating plan goals; participate in meetings on the client’s short and long-term treatment needs to provide structure and to encourage and support positive change. Participate in the coordination and delivery of individual core and pro-social services and activities in areas such as education, employment, civic engagement, physical and behavioral health, interpersonal relationships, and pro-social skills.
• Monitor client accountability through specific supervision regimes including electronic monitoring, daily school and home checks, regular program visits, drug testing, and self-reporting to determine progress in particular programs, to determine reasons for identified negative behavior, and to make determinations concerning the need for changes in program or facility assignments, service plans or referrals.
• Request authorization to issue warrants and assist in the coordination of youth apprehension with local, and state police and other agency law enforcement including Department of Youth Services (DYS) personnel to ensure both youth and public safety. Initiate the issuance and/or cancellation of parole violations and escape warrants and detainers.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships and open communication with juvenile justice system stakeholders including courts, police departments, district attorneys’ offices, parents, schools, government agencies, and community resources to facilitate a continuum of care for youth, to resolve problem situations, and to determine availability of resources.
• Provide and/or coordinate the transportation of youth to courts, job interviews, medical appointments, schools, programs, and other locations to ensure youth receive appropriate services. Transports parents/caretakers of youth to activities related to the youth’s service plan.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive case file including monthly records, case histories, clinical evaluations, police reports, and revocation packages for dissemination and sharing of information to relevant stakeholders. Enters data into the agency’s client management database.
• Coordinate DNA testing and special status notifications in compliance with agency policy to ensure required timelines and standards are met.
• Provide intensive case management for high-risk youths (i.e., gang-involved and sex offenders) and youth with mental health and serious trauma histories to lower risk to the community and promote positive change.
• Ensure comprehensive and individualized discharge planning for all youth. Offers and coordinates voluntary post-discharge services (e.g. Assent of Ward) to all youth in advance of their discharge from commitment.
• Represent the agency at court sessions by communicating information on department regulations regarding committed and detained or pre-adjudicated youth; assist in implementing alternative placement options to divert youths from the detention system by identifying less restrictive, community-based settings or home-based supports.
• Participate in the process necessary to establish targeted case management rates.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

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