Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee - North East Secure Treatment Unit, Luzerne County

About the role

Join the North East 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 who supports adjudicated youth in a secure treatment setting.

Responsibilities

• Attend formal classroom sessions and complete assigned learning activities.
• Assist adjudicated youth with hygiene, meals, recreation, work tasks, and structured programs.
• Follow security, crisis‑response, and safe‑facility procedures.
• Participate in meetings, group planning, and discussions.
• Complete logs, forms, and reports to document daily observations and progress.
• Respond prudently to crisis situations using trained techniques to maintain order.

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 shifts: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
• On‑site position in Pittston, Luzerne County; telework is not available.

Pay

• Starting hourly rate: $21.22 / hour.
• After successful completion of the six‑month trainee program: $27.69 / hour.
• For new hires, starting annual salary: $44,273.00 (before taxes).

Benefits

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

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, FBI fingerprint clearance.
• Successful completion of a medical examination and drug screening test.