Direct Support Worker, Det.

Apis Services, Inc.; Morgantown (PA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DailyPay

Wellness programs

Employee referral bonuses

Career advancement opportunities

Make a difference daily

Support families

Strengthen communities

Job summary

Abraxas Youth and Family Services in Morgantown, PA seeks a compassionate Youth Development Specialist for our Bureau of Prisons Unit to supervise, guide, and mentor at‑risk youth.

You will perform headcounts, document progress, coordinate with treatment teams, support families, and apply trauma-informed approaches while upholding safety and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to work with computers and necessary software used by the department.
• Must pass background checks including drug-related and other clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor at-risk youth to ensure safety and security during daily activities.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and co-workers.
• Document behavioral data and progress per program standards.
• Use trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches.
• Complete daily notes and incident reports within required timeframes.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and family engagement as directed.

Skills

Mentoring

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s degree or 60 credit hours

Tools

CPR

First Aid

HIPAA compliance

Job description

Change Lives While Growing Your Own Career

1000 Academy Drive., Morgantown, PA 19543

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Abraxas Youth and Family Services we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and independent life.

We’re seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals who are looking for more than a paycheck. We’re looking for individuals who want to make a difference, build rewarding careers, and become part of a team committed to helping others succeed.

Whether you’re beginning your career, changing professions, or bringing years of experience, we provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to help you thrive.

No experience required for many positions. Paid training provided.

About Abraxas Youth and Family Services

For more than 53 years, Abraxas Youth and Family Services has been dedicated to improving lives through high-quality services and support.

Our employees play a vital role in helping individuals achieve greater independence, confidence, and success while promoting dignity, respect, inclusion, and personal choice.

Every day, our team members make a meaningful impact by supporting people in reaching their goals and living their best lives.

Why Join Our Team?

• DailyPay – Access your earned wages before payday
• Wellness programs
• Employee referral bonuses
• Career advancement opportunities
• Make a difference every day
• Support individuals and families
• Strengthen communities

What You’ll Do

As a Youth Development Specialist in our Bureau of Prisons Unit, you will provide supervision, guidance, mentoring and direction to at-risk youth.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Interacts with and supervises clients during daily activities in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
• Maintains regular communication with supervisors and co-workers.
• Provides effective facility security including conducting headcounts, room checks and observing client movement.
• Observes client behavior and intervenes appropriately.
• Processes intakes and screens clients according to program policy.
• Observes activities and responds accordingly, including emergency situations, evacuation, CPR, or first aid.
• Facilitates and documents various groups or meetings; monitors the documentation process to ensure all services are documented as necessary each shift.
• Provides structured behavioral interventions to reduce maladaptive behaviors and increase positive, adaptive skills.
• Uses trauma‑informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Accurately observes and documents client behaviors, progress, and responses to interventions.
• Collects and documents behavioral data in accordance with program and regulatory standards.
• Will be included in daily staffing ratio to assist in effective programming for all youth.
• Completes daily notes, incident reports, and other required documentation within required timeframes.
• Utilizes approved crisis prevention and de‑escalation techniques when necessary.
• Follows all safety protocols related to self‑harm, aggression, and behavioral escalation.
• Reports safety concerns, incidents, or changes in client status immediately to supervisory/leadership staff.
• Participates in treatment team meetings, supervision, and required training.
• Supports family engagement as directed by the treatment team.
• Maintains client confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Follows all Pennsylvania mandated reporter requirements.
• Maintains active certification, clearances, and required ongoing training.
• Complies with program/facility safety systems and building security.
• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance with current departmental practices.
• Supports the Abraxas philosophy and mission and promotes the Seven Key Principles of care.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of Safe Crisis Management techniques and skills.

Who We’re Looking For

• Dependable
• Team‑oriented
• Service‑focused
• Professional
• Positive
• Committed to helping others

Education and Experience Required

• Associate’s degree or sixty (60) credit hours from an accredited college or university.

Other Qualifications

• At least twenty‑one (21) years of age
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Physical exams that include TB and drug testing
• Must pass both federal and state background checks which screen for crimes, including but not limited to drug‑related crimes, violent crimes, sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and repeated misdemeanors
• Satisfactory completion of background screening and applicable pre‑employment checks, including but not limited to employment and/or personal reference and driving records
• Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department

Schedule

Must be able to work every other weekend.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist individuals as needed
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Imperium Inc., and affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

This policy of nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.