Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - Southeast Youth Development Center

Are you searching for a career where your expertise can make a lasting difference? Do you bring strong clinical skills, deep knowledge, and a genuine passion for counseling and psychotherapy? The Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, is looking for a dedicated Psychological Services Specialist to join a dynamic, mission-driven team. In this role, you will collaborate with a diverse network of professionals while providing vital support to court-adjudicated youth at the Southeast Youth Development Center (SYDC). We are seeking an individual who is committed to youth development and thrives in a team-oriented environment dedicated to growth, rehabilitation, and lasting impact. Take the next step in a purpose-driven career-apply today and help shape brighter outcomes for those who need it most.

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

In this position, you will plan, develop, coordinate, and administer treatment services and programs at the SYDC. As a key member of the clinical team, you will collaborate closely with supervisory and counseling staff, providing consultation and ensuring all services align with departmental and bureau policies. You will evaluate and monitor treatment programming within assigned areas to ensure adherence to mental health best practices, identify gaps, and contribute to program development initiatives. Additionally, you will coordinate mental health services in accordance with established protocols, support the development of treatment plans, and deliver individualized clinical care. To support ongoing professional growth, you will participate in training opportunities, review current research and literature, and engage in relevant research activities.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week

• Work hours include the following shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch. The work week consists of five days: four weekdays (Monday - Friday) and either Saturday or Sunday, based on the candidate's preference. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.

• Travel and overtime: As needed
• You must be willing to accept employment at Southeast Youth Development Center and commute to this location in Montgomery County.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,736.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A master's degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.