DJS RESIDENT ADVISOR TRAINEE

The Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Western Maryland region is accepting applications for contractual Resident Advisor Trainee - Contractual positions.  These positions are located at Green Ridge Youth Center in Allegany County at 10700 Fifteen Mile Creek Road, Flintstone, MD, 21530, and selected candidates will be employed at this specific location.

Grade 11; Step 4. 

To provide supervision and guidance to youth residing in a facility operated by the Department of Juvenile Services.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

Learns to escort groups of youth to and from daily activities at the facility and to supervise their conduct during movement and daily activities;

Learns to observe individual and group behaviors and to determine when intervention or guidance is needed by the youth under his/her care;

Learns to intervene in situations involving agitated or overwrought youth to prevent fights and to de-escalate potentially harmful behaviors, learns to suggest alternative ways of reacting to problems, and may be required to physically restrain youth;

Learns to promote an environment conducive to learning helpful alternative behaviors by encouraging communication among youth and staff, guiding and critiquing group discussions, offering advice at appropriate junctures and serving as a mentor and role model for resident youth;

Learns to monitor the behavior of youth and assist them in complying with daily and weekly schedules of attending classes, completing school assignments, sleeping, eating and performing personal hygiene tasks;

Learns to record behavior observations, prepare progress and incident reports on assigned youth for review by supervisors, and recommend behavioral sanctions;

Learns to inspect residence areas for safety, security and cleanliness;

Learns to assess inappropriate behaviors and recommend behavioral sanctions to supervisors;

Attends in-service training on topics, such as crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatments, and behavioral modification models to maintain knowledge of childcare needs, counseling methods and trends in the juvenile justice field and to obtain and maintain certification;

Learns to assess emergency and crisis situations, make appropriate contacts and referrals, and provide interim emergency medical and other assistance until specialized assistance is available;

May be assigned to a cottage or dormitory post at night;

May accompany youth to community service activities outside the facility;

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Note: The above educational requirement is set by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission in accordance with the Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209.

1. Employees in this classification must complete and successfully pass the Entrance Level Correctional Training Course for DJS staff required for the Maryland Correctional Training Commission certificate during the probationary period.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

1. In accordance with the Correctional Services Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Section 8-209, the Maryland Correctional Training Commission shall establish the minimum qualifications for probationary or permanent appointment of a Department of Juvenile Services employee in a mandated position. These requirements are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.10.01.04, general regulations of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission, and include:

- U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
- Must be at least 21years of age
- A thorough background check, including fingerprinting and drug testing
- An oral interview, and
- Physical and psychological examinations.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09.03, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Applicants must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by MPCTC; To be eligible for the training, candidates must:

- provide evidence of being a United States citizen or Resident Alien;

- successfully complete both a background investigation and a physical examination;

- successfully undergo a psychological evaluation.

Once hired, DJS Resident Advisor Trainees will be subject to:

- being on call 24 hours a day and, therefore, must have a telephone at their place of residence;

- substance abuse testing.

Once hired, DJS Resident Advisor Trainees may be:

- assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle; Employees assigned these duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland;

- required to operate large vans for transportation of youth; Employees assigned these duties will be required to acquire a Class C Maryland driver's license.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program (the Program), have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or an average of 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents.  As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums of your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.  The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits.  You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a temporary/contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year. 

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  However, if you are unable to apply online you may mail a paper application to the address below or fax a paper application to the fax number below.  If you choose to fax or email your application, then you must include on each page of the attachment your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number that is located at the top of the bulletin and the last 4 digits of your SS#.  The paper application must be received by 5:00 p.m. close of business on the closing date for this recruitment.  No postmarks will be accepted.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.  Forward to:

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

1 James Day Drive Cumberland, Maryland  21502

Attention:  Nancy H. Lease, Recruitment # 17-002599-0016

Fax Number:  301-722-1642

Should additional information regarding the recruitment be required, please contact DJS Office of Human Resources at nancyh.lease@maryland.gov . Include the Recruitment Title and Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State of Maryland agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.