Youth Services Behavioral Specialist (Juvenile Justice Officer II) - Wake JDC YDC

About the role

The Youth Services Behavioral Specialist plays a crucial role in implementing individual and group treatment plans to facilitate behavioral changes necessary for youthful offender rehabilitation. They provide security, control, and ensure the safety of juveniles, often working in direct care settings such as Youth Development Centers or Juvenile Detention Centers.

Responsibilities

• Implement individual and group treatment plans to promote behavioral change and rehabilitation.
• Provide security and maintain custody of juveniles.
• Safeguard juveniles from each other and from external threats.
• Work closely with court-ordered youth, addressing their needs and behaviors.
• Engage in direct supervision and interaction with juveniles.
• Participate in the Juvenile Justice Officer Basic Training Certification Program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution, or
• High school diploma and four years of related human services experience, or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Must be physically capable of applying proper methods and procedures to restrain juveniles and defend themselves after proper training.
• Must pass a criminal background check, drug screening, psychological test, sexual risk screening, and physical examination.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 20 years old.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with people.

Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers various benefits including vacation, paid holidays, parental leave, health insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, and participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additional benefits include the Employee Referral Bonus program and the opportunity for promotional advancement within Juvenile Justice.

Pay

The starting salary for a Youth Services Behavioral Specialist is based on the number of months of related education and experience above the minimum requirements. Annual salary increases are provided through a step pay plan, with steps ranging from Step 0 ($38.859) to Step 6 ($50,563).

Schedule

This is a full-time position with work hours varying depending on the facility. Candidates must be available to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis and maintain a variable work schedule to meet the needs of juveniles and their families.