Youth Development Specialist

Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist IThe Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to fill the essential role of Juvenile Justice YDS I (JJYDS I). Selected candidates will work with juvenile justice-involved youth and young adults (most are 16-20 years old) in a 24-hour a-day / 7-day-a-week locked residential facility. In this team-led environment, you will ensure the safety and security of the youth while offering the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible and independent adults. The JJYDS I's are the front-line direct care staff ensuring the safety and security of youth committed to the care and custody of the Department. Selected candidates would receive classroom and on-the-job training to ensure they successfully work in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment. JJYDS I's will observe the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances, assaults, or self-harm. They will ensure the safety of staff and youth and ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures. JJYDS I will also act as a positive role model and advocate for youth working towards re-entry into the community. Through our highly accredited training academy, you will be trained in the core principles of juvenile justice rehabilitation, safety, and security. As a Juvenile Justice residential team member, you will have the opportunity to positively influence a young person's life and develop the necessary skills for professional development and growth.Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):Observe —Monitor the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances or self-harm and ensure the safety of staff and youth in compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.Collaborate as part of a team—Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support to the youth in their daily activities, which include classrooms and afternoon leisure/sports, mealtime, hygiene, and clinical sessions.Serve as a role model —Assist youth in developing coping, social, and life skills while providing guidance and support through daily interactions to facilitate their re-entry into the community.Maintain a safe and secure environment - Complete required program security measures, including but not limited to supervision rounds, head counts, indoor and outdoor security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.Working Conditions: Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments. In the event verbal de-escalation attempts are exhausted, you will be expected to use physical interventions to maintain safety and security in accordance with department policies. This is a 24/7 facility. You will be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends, including forced overtime. Travel may be required for training purposes.Required Qualifications:Minimum Age Requirement: 21 YearsCapacity to establish a rapport with youth and staff from different ethnic, cultural and/or socio-economic backgrounds.Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.Capability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency and/or dangerous situations while remaining calm.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights.Ability to take direction and work under the supervision and direction of a senior staff member.For more information, please go to: Location: 288 Lyman Street, Westboro, MA 01581 363 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604Schedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Aug 28, 2026, 2:08:37 PMSalary: 54,389.14 - 70,820.36 Yearly