Juvenile Justice Support Specialist

Center for Human Development; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vacation time

Paid holidays

DYS Training

Job summary

Center for Human Development (CHD) in Springfield, MA seeks Residential Support Specialists to work with justice-involved youth within a structured treatment setting. You will supervise daily activities, build trusted relationships, and provide counseling and advocacy to residents while supporting behavior change and safety.

The role offers exposure to juvenile justice, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, with a focus on development and rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Interest in juvenile justice and youth development.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to complete medication administration training and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in daily activities.
• Build positive relationships to foster growth, accountability, and development.
• Provide advocacy, guidance, and counseling support to residents.
• Facilitate group meetings and skill-building activities.
• Monitor resident movement and ensure program safety and security.
• Utilize program policies to support positive behavior change.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Relationship building

Communication

Behavior management

Advocacy

Youth development

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

Secure Residential Treatment
Springfield, MA 01129, USA

Description

Make a Difference. Help Youth Build a Better Future.

Looking to start or grow your career in Juvenile Justice? CHD's Juvenile Justice Program is seeking compassionate, dedicated, and motivated Residential Support Specialists to join our team. Working in partnership with the Department of Youth Services (DYS), you'll play a critical role in supporting young people as they develop the skills, accountability, and confidence needed to create positive life changes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the juvenile justice field while making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth. Whether you're pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Law Enforcement, or Human Services, you'll develop valuable skills in youth advocacy, crisis intervention, behavior management, and rehabilitation.

Why Join Our Team?

As a Residential Support Specialist, you'll gain valuable experience working directly with justice-involved youth in a structured treatment environment. This role offers an opportunity to develop skills in:

• Juvenile justice and youth rehabilitation
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
• Case management and advocacy
• Group facilitation and counseling support
• Behavior management and positive youth development
• Trauma-informed care and relationship building

Every day, you'll help youth recognize their strengths, make responsible choices, and work toward a successful future.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in daily program activities
• Build positive relationships that foster growth, accountability, and personal development
• Provide advocacy, guidance, and counseling support to residents
• Facilitate and participate in group meetings and skill-building activities
• Monitor resident movement and ensure program safety and security
• Utilize program policies and interventions to support positive behavior change
• Orient new residents to program expectations and routines
• Complete documentation, including Daily Log entries and incident reporting
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth and staff
• Adapt to changing situations and respond effectively to program needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered
• Interest in juvenile justice, youth development, behavioral health, or social services
• Understanding of adolescent development and behavioral dynamics preferred
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a secure residential setting
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for work-related transportation
• Ability to successfully complete medication administration training
• Ability to pass all required background screenings
• Previous experience working in residential care, juvenile justice, youth services, corrections, education, coaching, mentoring, or behavioral health is welcome but not required.

Training & Professional Development

All newly hired staff must attend a three-week DYS Basic Training Academy (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM). This comprehensive training provides a strong foundation in juvenile justice practices, youth engagement, safety protocols, and behavior management.

Compensation

Based on experience and education starting rate is $20.00 an hour, combined with a phenomenal benefit package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few.

At Center for Human Development (CHD) Care Finds a way:

The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.

Equal OpportunityEmployer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

CPR Certif, Current

Expert

First Aid Certif, Current

Expert

Medication Admin, Current

Expert

Education

Preferred

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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