Youth Development Counselor - Loysville Youth Development Center

THE POSITION

Do you hope to make a meaningful difference by guiding court-committed youth as a Youth Development Counselor with the Department of Human Services? This role gives you the opportunity to support daily routines, provide counseling, and lead residents through structured programs at the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, Loysville Youth Development Center. You support personal growth, teach positive behaviors, and strengthen social skills. Join a team that values safety, respect, and steady guidance.

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on supervising youth, supporting rehabilitation programs, and guiding residents in developing positive behaviors and personal growth. You will help maintain safety, lead structured activities, and support counseling and case management efforts. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will perform the following duties:

• Safety Supervision: Monitor residents closely to maintain order, prevent harm, and ensure a secure living environment
• Behavior Guidance: Teach and model pro-social behaviors, encourage emotional growth, and support daily skill development
• Case Management: Collect information, develop treatment plans, and communicate progress with families and involved agencies
• Counseling Support: Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions that reinforce balanced and restorative justice principles
• Activity Oversight: Escort and supervise residents during appointments, programs, and recreational activities on and off grounds
• Documentation Tasks: Prepare incident reports, monthly summaries, and required records in accordance with agency guidelines

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-hour work 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 eight hours and normally consist of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with no duty-free lunch. You will work a five-day work week with two 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require