DJS RESIDENT ADVISOR TRAINEE

MD; Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State of Maryland benefits

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is seeking a Resident Advisor Trainee in Cheltenham, Maryland. This entry-level position involves supervising and guiding youth in a detention facility, promoting alternative behaviors, and ensuring safety.

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma. Training and certifications are required, and benefits are provided by the State of Maryland.

Qualifications

• Must be U.S. citizen or resident alien.
• Must complete Correctional Training Course during probation.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide youth during daily activities.
• Intervene and de-escalate harmful behaviors.
• Monitor and assist youth with daily life skills.
• Prepare reports on youth behaviors for supervisors.

Skills

Supervision

Crisis intervention

Communication

Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Associate’s Degree in related field

Job description

GRADE

ASTD11

LOCATION OF POSITION

Cheltenham Youth Detention Center
11003 Frank Tippett Rd
Cheltenham, Maryland 20623

Main Purpose of Job

The DJS Resident Advisor Trainee position is an entry‑level role responsible for providing supervision and guidance to youth residing in a facility operated by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. The position involves observing, interacting, and assisting youth with everyday life skills and advising them of appropriate alternative behaviors. The incumbent may work various shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and may be called in as required by staffing needs.

Mission Statement

To transform young people’s lives, create safer communities, and forge more equitable systems through community‑based partnerships that hold youth accountable while building on their strengths and support systems.

Vision Statement

Providing pathways to success for youth and families through partnerships across Maryland.

Position Duties

• Escort groups of youth to and from daily activities and supervise their conduct during movement and activities.
• Observe individual and group behaviors to determine when intervention or guidance is needed.
• Intervene in situations involving agitated or overwhelmed youth to prevent fights and de‑escalate potentially harmful behaviors.
• Suggest alternative ways of reacting to problems and, when required, physically restrain youth.
• 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.
• Monitor the behavior of youth and assist them in complying with daily and weekly schedules, attending classes, completing school assignments, sleeping, eating, and performing personal hygiene tasks.
• Record behavior observations, prepare progress and incident reports on assigned youth for review by supervisors, and recommend behavioral sanctions.
• Inspect residence areas for safety, security, and cleanliness.
• Assess inappropriate behaviors and recommend behavioral sanctions to supervisors.
• Attend in‑service training on topics such as crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatments, and behavioral modification models to maintain knowledge in childcare needs, counseling methods, and trends in the juvenile justice field, and obtain and maintain certification.
• 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 post at night.
• May accompany youth to community service activities outside the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience: None.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Employment experience within the last 18 months.
• Associate’s Degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences).

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• 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.
• May be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license if assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A thorough background check, including fingerprinting and drug testing.
• An oral interview.
• Physical and psychological examinations.
• Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

DJS is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Veterans, bilingual applicants, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply. The agency welcomes diverse experiences and supports individuals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.