Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist

RFK Community Alliance; Middleton (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous paid time off

Holiday Pay

Educational Assistance

Employer paid life insurance

Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disab

Retirement Plan with generous employer

Tuition Reimbursement

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

RFK Community Alliance in Middleton, MA is seeking a Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist to supervise and support youth in a structured residential setting as part of the DYS Secure Treatment Program. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to implement treatment plans and help youth build life skills.

This full-time role offers pay $20.00–$21.25 per hour and a benefits package including health, dental, vision, generous PTO, holiday pay, educational assistance, life and disability

Qualifications

• Experience with youth or in residential, behavioral health, or human services settings is a plus, but not required.
• Paid training is provided for all new team members.

Responsibilities

• Building positive, trusting relationships with youth through consistency, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Providing daily supervision and support in a structured residential setting.
• Using trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention strategies to promote safety and well-being.
• Assisting with the implementation of individualized treatment plans and behavioral goals.
• Supporting youth in developing life skills, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Collaborating with clinical staff and team members to ensure high-quality care and positive outcomes.

Skills

Empathy

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Pay Range: $20.00–$21.25 per hour

Location: Middleton, MA

RFK Community Alliance is seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our Residential Team in Middleton, MA. This full-time position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth receiving services in our Department of Youth Services (DYS) Secure Treatment Program.

About RFK Community Alliance

At RFK Community Alliance, we are committed to transforming the lives of youth, families, and communities through trauma-informed care, education, and support services. Our Department of Youth Services (DYS) Secure Treatment Program, The Kennedy School, provides a structured, therapeutic environment where youth receive individualized support to build skills, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward positive life outcomes.

About The Role

As a Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist, you will play a key role in creating a safe, supportive, and therapeutic living environment for youth in our care. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide daily supervision, guidance, and encouragement while helping youth develop the skills they need to make positive choices and achieve personal growth.

Responsibilities include

• Building positive, trusting relationships with youth through consistency, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Providing daily supervision and support in a structured residential setting.
• Using trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention strategies to promote safety and well-being.
• Assisting with the implementation of individualized treatment plans and behavioral goals.
• Supporting youth in developing life skills, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Collaborating with clinical staff and team members to ensure high-quality care and positive outcomes.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who are compassionate, patient, and committed to making a difference. Whether you're an experienced human services professional or beginning a career in the field, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.

The ideal candidate

• Builds strong, respectful relationships with youth.
• Remains calm and effective in challenging situations.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Is dependable, adaptable, and committed to providing trauma-informed care.
• Has a genuine passion for helping young people reach their potential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Experience working with youth or in residential, behavioral health, or human services settings is a plus, but not required.
• Paid training is provided for all new team members.

Available Shifts

• 1st 7am-3pm Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun (Wed, Thurs off)
• 2nd 3pm-11pm Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun (Tues, Wed off)
• 2nd 3pm-11 Wed - Sunday (Mon-Tues off)
• 2nd 3pm-11pm Sat- Wednesday (Thurs-Fri off)
• 3rd 11pm-7am Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue (Wed, Thurs off)
• 3rd 11pm-7am Thursday-Mon (Tuesday, Wednesday off)

How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, And Grow Together

At RFK Community Alliance, we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it’s by design. Together we are the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.

Why You'll Love Us

In addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• Educational Assistance
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program

RFKCA offers a compassionate, inclusive company culture and excellent work environment. RFKCA is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. EOE/AA

Keywords: Direct Support Professional, DSP, Mental Health Worker, Youth Counselor, Direct Care, Group Home, Residential Care, Human Services, Personal Care Assistant, Home Health Aide, Relief Staff, RFK,