Youth Development Representative
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $55,389 - $69,439
Closing Date: April 6, 2023
Job Summary
The DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) mission is to improve public safety and give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.
DYRS is an agency tasked with providing holistic and therapeutic programs and services to adjudicated youth between the ages of 12-21 in the District of Columbia. It serves as the District's cabinet level juvenile justice agency. DYRS administers detention, commitment, and aftercare services for youth held under its care in its secure facilities or residing in the DC community. The Youth Development Representative (YDR) position is located in the Secured Programs Division, under the purview of the Deputy Director of Secured Programs with the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)
Duties and Responsibilities
The Youth Development Representative (YDR) has the responsibility for the rehabilitation, direct supervision and active positive engagement, as well as the safety and security of youth in the custody of DYRS. Special emphasis is placed on interacting with troubled youth when assisting in treatment and supervision, and consistent with the principles of positive youth development (progressive services, supports and opportunities which help youth become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent). The position will receive intensive, hands-on, training under the direct supervision of the department's training division and/or facility supervisory staff. As a YDR, you will provide for the day-to-day direct supervision and positive engagement of youth in the department's care and custody; provide vigilance in the performance of assigned duties and will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team endeavoring to rehabilitate and provide safe, secure, and humane treatment of youth in custody.
The incumbents are required to maintain ongoing visual contact with all youth under their supervision and engage the youth in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner. Additionally, YDRs’ are expected to transport youth to court and other varied locations; supervise recreational activities; maintain custody of youth in hospitals and medical clinics, and monitor living, dining, and educational areas, in an engaging and interactive manner, while assuring youth and staff safety. The main goal for a YDR is to prioritize and ensure positive interaction, safety, security and rehabilitation of youth, while under direct supervision. Youth Development Representatives are expected to de-escalate conflicts, tensions, fights or other disturbances, and when necessary are required to physically restrain and impose discipline of youth consistent with department policies and procedures. Youth Development Representatives are also obliged to document reports and officially enter incidents into the department's computerized information system and/or logbooks in the event of an incident and submits detailed written reports. Youth Development Representatives ensure a safe, clean, and orderly environment is always maintained. Overall, the YDRs’ are responsible for supervising and engaging youth through behavioral management programs that are implemented in the facility. As part of a team, YDRs’ help evaluate the youth progression of DYRS’ behavior management and modification system and participate in the Youth Family team meetings to provide input on youth's behavior and case planning.
Qualifications and Education
This particular announcement is for District of Columbia High School or Equivalent Graduates Only.
One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
30 credit hours from an accredited business school, college or university in social/behavioral science, education or other closely related degree, and 2 years of experience working in a youth treatment program (i.e. group homes, residential, juvenile correction, rehabilitation facilities), which included casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, or social work for children (12-21 years of age) or 60 credit hours from an accredited business school, college or university in social/behavioral science, education or other closely related degree, and 1 year of experience working in a youth treatment program (i.e. group homes, residential, juvenile correction, rehabilitation facilities), which included casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, or social work for children (12-21 years of age) or 4 years of experience working in a youth treatment program (i.e. group homes, residential, juvenile correction, rehabilitation facilities), which included casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, or social work for children (12-21 years of age) is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
Required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a DC Government vehicle.
Working Conditions / Environment
Work is performed in a juvenile detention facility. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Due to the nature of the responsibilities of this position, work hours are on a rotational basis to any of DYRS facilities, group homes, or service areas. This facility is a 24/7 operation. Shifts may vary. Rotational tour of work normally requiring rotation on each of three tours - AM, PM, Midnight - seven days per week, and holidays; designated as essential personnel
Duration of Appointment: Career Service - Regular Appointment
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0007-07
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is a union position covered by Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and may require the payment of an agency service fee through direct payroll deductions.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
The incumbent must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of walking, standing, bending, grasping, talking, repetitive motions, squatting, running, jumping and climbing; to carry or drag an individual (125 pounds, or more) a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet; and to fully perform DYRS approved restraint techniques and to apply restraining devices to aggressive and assaultive youth. The incumbent must have visual and hearing acuity to fully observe the behaviors and interactions of residents and other persons within the facility or during official travel and activities, and to effectively receive and transmit communications by two-way radios and telephones and be able to read and interpret written material and must possess effective written and oral communication skills.
A physical exam and physical assessment examination will be conducted during the pre-employment process to verify that the incumbent can meet the physical demand of the position.
Position Designation: This position has been deemed safety sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
A child Protection Registry clearance is also required.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
