Juvenile Justice Support Specialist

Summary

Secure Residential TreatmentSpringfield, MA 01129, USADescription Make a Difference. Help Youth Build a Better Future.Looking to start or grow your career in Juvenile Justice? CHD's Juvenile Justice Program is seeking compassionate, dedicated, and motivated Residential Support Specialists to join our team. Working in partnership with the Department of Youth Services (DYS) , you'll play a critical role in supporting young people as they develop the skills, accountability, and confidence needed to create positive life changes.This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in the juvenile justice field while making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth. Whether you're pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Law Enforcement, or Human Services, you'll develop valuable skills in youth advocacy, crisis intervention, behavior management, and rehabilitation.Why Join Our Team?As a Residential Support Specialist, you'll gain valuable experience working directly with justice‑involved youth in a structured treatment environment. This role offers an opportunity to develop skills in:Juvenile justice and youth rehabilitationCrisis intervention and conflict resolutionCase management and advocacyGroup facilitation and counseling supportBehavior management and positive youth developmentTrauma‑informed care and relationship buildingEvery day, you'll help youth recognize their strengths, make responsible choices, and work toward a successful future.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide direct supervision and support to youth in daily program activitiesBuild positive relationships that foster growth, accountability, and personal developmentProvide advocacy, guidance, and counseling support to residentsFacilitate and participate in group meetings and skill‑building activitiesMonitor resident movement and ensure program safety and securityUtilize program policies and interventions to support positive behavior changeOrient new residents to program expectations and routinesComplete documentation, including Daily Log entries and incident reportingMaintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth and staffAdapt to changing situations and respond effectively to program needsQualificationsBachelor's degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience will be consideredInterest in juvenile justice, youth development, behavioral health, or social servicesUnderstanding of adolescent development and behavioral dynamics preferredStrong communication, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skillsAbility to work effectively in a secure residential settingValid driver's license and reliable vehicle for work‑related transportationAbility to successfully complete medication administration trainingAbility to pass all required background screeningsPrevious experience working in residential care, juvenile justice, youth services, corrections, education, coaching, mentoring, or behavioral health is welcome but not required.Training & Professional DevelopmentAll newly hired staff must attend a three‑week DYS Basic Training Academy (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM). This comprehensive training provides a strong foundation in juvenile justice practices, youth engagement, safety protocols, and behavior management.CompensationBased on experience and education starting rate is $20.00 an hour, combined with a phenomenal benefit package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few.Join UsAt Center for Human Development (CHD) Care Finds a way:The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community‑oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.Equal OpportunityEmployer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesQualifications Skills Preferred CPR Certif, Current ExpertFirst Aid Certif, Current ExpertMedication Admin, Current ExpertEducation Preferred High School or better.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Description

Secure Residential TreatmentSpringfield, MA 01129, USADescription Make a Difference. Help Youth Build a Better Future.Looking to start or grow your career in Juvenile Justice? CHD's Juvenile Justice Program is seeking compassionate, dedicated, and motivated Residential Support Specialists to join our team. Working in partnership with the Department of Youth Services (DYS) , you'll play a critical role in supporting young people as they develop the skills, accountability, and confidence needed to create positive life changes.This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in the juvenile justice field while making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth. Whether you're pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Law Enforcement, or Human Services, you'll develop valuable skills in youth advocacy, crisis intervention, behavior management, and rehabilitation.Why Join Our Team?As a Residential Support Specialist, you'll gain valuable experience working directly with justice‑involved youth in a structured treatment environment. This role offers an opportunity to develop skills in:Juvenile justice and youth rehabilitationCrisis intervention and conflict resolutionCase management and advocacyGroup facilitation and counseling supportBehavior management and positive youth developmentTrauma‑informed care and relationship buildingEvery day, you'll help youth recognize their strengths, make responsible choices, and work toward a successful future.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide direct supervision and support to youth in daily program activitiesBuild positive relationships that foster growth, accountability, and personal developmentProvide advocacy, guidance, and counseling support to residentsFacilitate and participate in group meetings and skill‑building activitiesMonitor resident movement and ensure program safety and securityUtilize program policies and interventions to support positive behavior changeOrient new residents to program expectations and routinesComplete documentation, including Daily Log entries and incident reportingMaintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth and staffAdapt to changing situations and respond effectively to program needsQualificationsBachelor's degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience will be consideredInterest in juvenile justice, youth development, behavioral health, or social servicesUnderstanding of adolescent development and behavioral dynamics preferredStrong communication, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skillsAbility to work effectively in a secure residential settingValid driver's license and reliable vehicle for work‑related transportationAbility to successfully complete medication administration trainingAbility to pass all required background screeningsPrevious experience working in residential care, juvenile justice, youth services, corrections, education, coaching, mentoring, or behavioral health is welcome but not required.Training & Professional DevelopmentAll newly hired staff must attend a three‑week DYS Basic Training Academy (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM). This comprehensive training provides a strong foundation in juvenile justice practices, youth engagement, safety protocols, and behavior management.CompensationBased on experience and education starting rate is $20.00 an hour, combined with a phenomenal benefit package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few.Join UsAt Center for Human Development (CHD) Care Finds a way:The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community‑oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.Equal OpportunityEmployer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesQualifications Skills Preferred CPR Certif, Current ExpertFirst Aid Certif, Current ExpertMedication Admin, Current ExpertEducation Preferred High School or better.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.#J-18808-Ljbffr