Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee - North Central Secure Treatment Unit, Montour County

About the role

Join the North Central Secure Treatment Unit as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services. This six‑month training program combines classroom instruction and hands‑on experience, preparing you to grow into a Juvenile Justice Specialist. Successful completion results in a promotion and a salary increase.

Responsibilities

• Training Participation: Attend formal classroom sessions and complete assigned learning activities.
• Youth Support: Assist adjudicated youth with hygiene, meals, recreation, work tasks, and structured programs.
• Safety Practices: Follow procedures for security, crisis response, and safe facility operations.
• Team Engagement: Participate in meetings and contribute to group planning and discussions.
• Record Keeping: Complete logs, forms, and reports to document daily observations and progress.
• Crisis Response: Act prudently in crisis situations and apply trained techniques to maintain order.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.
• Legal clearances: PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI fingerprint clearance.
• Successful completion of a medical examination and a drug screening test.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Contractual pay increases.
• Paid holidays and leave entitlements.
• Opportunities for advancement and shift selection.
• Supportive work environment.

Pay

• Starting hourly rate: $21.22.
• After successful completion of the trainee program: $27.69 per hour.
• For new hires entering the Commonwealth workforce, the starting annual salary is $44,273 (before taxes).

Schedule

• Full‑time, 5‑day work week with 2 days off.
• Shift work in a 24/7/365 operation, including holidays and weekends.
• 8‑hour shifts with no duty‑free lunch; typical shift times: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
• No telework option.

Location

Must be willing to work in Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania.