Psychological Services Specialist, DHS, - Loysville Youth Development Center

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of court-adjudicated youth while advancing your professional career? The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services is seeking a skilled Psychological Services Specialist to join the dynamic team at the Loysville Youth Development Center. This rewarding role is designed for experts in counseling and psychotherapy who are dedicated to fostering positive change and supporting the rehabilitation of young people. By joining our collaborative environment, you will work alongside a diverse group of professionals committed to a mission of service and growth. We invite you to apply today and take a first step towards a fulfilling career!

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

As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will plan, develop, and administer comprehensive treatment programs while ensuring full compliance with department and bureau policies. Serving as a key member of the clinical team, you will collaborate with supervisory and counseling staff to evaluate program effectiveness within assigned cottages and address service gaps during development meetings. You will provide essential clinical modeling and presentations to train direct care staff in best practices. Additionally, you will coordinate mental health services and oversee the development of individualized treatment plans to foster resident growth. Beyond direct clinical intervention, your role will involve a commitment to professional excellence through continuous training, literature review, and participation in research activities. By integrating evidence-based strategies, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality psychological services that align with the center's therapeutic mission.

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. You will work 4 days between Monday - Friday and either Saturday/Sunday (selected candidate choice). This may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,736.00 (before taxes).
• FREE parking!
• 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.

• You must be willing to accept employment at Loysville Youth Development Center and commute to this location in Perry County.
• 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 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.

• 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.