YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AIDE (ONLINE EXAM)



YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AIDE (ONLINE EXAM)

Salary

$41,707.00 Annually

Location

*State-Wide, PA

Job Type

CIVIL SERVICE ONLINE EXAM FOR FUTURE VACANCIES

Job Number

CS-20180013-41790

Department

Department of Human Services

Opening Date

04/23/2018

Closing Date

5/3/2021 3:00 PM Eastern

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is seeking dedicated and attentive individuals to make a difference in the lives of court-adjudicated youth.  Apply today to become a Youth Development Aide!

This position involves a willingness to work with a diverse population, along with a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Full-time employment with excellent pay & benefits. Work is performed in 24/7/365 operations requiring various shifts, weekends, holidays, voluntary and possible mandatory overtime.  

The locations of the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS) facilities for which position vacancies will be posted are as follows:

Youth Forestry Camp #2 (YFC #2)  Carbon County, White Haven, PA
North Central Secure Treatment Unit (NCSTU)  Montour County, Danville, PA
Loysville Youth Development Center (LYDC) Perry County, Loysville, PA
South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit (SMSTU) Franklin County, South Mountain, PA
Youth Forestry Camp #3 (YFC #3), Huntingdon County, James Creek, PA

 

If you would like an opportunity to join our team efforts to help court-adjudicated youth become more responsible, contributing citizens in their communities, follow the detailed instructions below.


IMPORTANT: YOU MUST APPLY TO THIS ONLINE EXAM POSTING, MEET ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, COMPLETE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS AND RECEIVE YOUR SCORE PRIOR TO APPLYING TO A SPECIFIC VACANCY POSTING FOR THIS TITLE. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL OF SPECIFIC VACANCIES FOR THIS JOB TITLE IN YOUR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE, AND POTENTIALLY IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES.   TO VIEW ALL VACANCIES POSTED FOR THIS JOB TITLE, YOU MAY SEARCH THE OPEN JOBS ON THE WEBSITE.  YOU MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH SPECIFIC VACANCY IN WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED.


PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOU APPLY TO A VACANCY POSTING PRIOR TO RECEIVING A SCORE, YOU WILL BE DEEMED INELIGIBLE.  YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO APPLY TO THIS EXAM POSTING AND COMPLETE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Are you outgoing, motivated, and up for a challenge mentally, emotionally and physically?

Can you develop effective relationships with court-adjudicated youth to help address personal problems and provide positive reinforcement to instill proper attitudes and responsible behaviors?

Do you respond well in controversial situations and hold others plus yourself accountable for actions?

If so, here is a further description of the duties a YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AIDE gets to perform.

Actively engage with court-adjudicated youth requiring guidance, instruction, treatment and specialized services in a secure or restricted setting.  Provide for the physical care, custody, and supervision of the youths' daily activities that include recreation, housekeeping, personal hygiene, work assignments and program requirements. Assist professional staff in implementing treatment plans and reporting youths' progress in attaining goals.  Communicate with youth about their thought processes, actions and personal problems to provide insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes. When appropriate, maintain order by verbally and physically intervening with disruptive, emotionally improper and suicidal youth.  Use of appropriate physical restraint techniques to prevent escapes, control aggressiveness and maintain a safe, secure or restricted environment is required. Training provided.
 
Provide guidance in social and emotional growth by role modeling values and ideals that elicit a genuine desire in court-adjudicated youth to change behaviors.
 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Qualifications:

  • PA residency currently waived for this title
  • Minimum Experience and Training Requirements - Successful completion of the Youth Development Aide Trainee program; OR One year of experience in the care, custody, activities or personal guidance of adolescents or adults in a behavioral, educational or community-based capacity; OR Completion of 30 college credits, which included 12 credits in behavioral sciences or criminal justice.
  • Necessary Special Requirement - Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
  • 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.  
  • Do not submit resumes, cover letters, and similar documents.  These documents will not be reviewed and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.  Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Some positions come 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, Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI clearance.
Commonwealth employment requirement:
  • A conditional offer of employment will require satisfactory completion of a medical examination and a drug screening test.


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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):  711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals)

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

  • 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. 
  • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
    • your score may be lower than deserved.
    • you may be disqualified.
  • You may retest 6 months after date of last exam
  • Your results will be provided via email.
  • Only your most recent exam score is counted.

 

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*


Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Are you age 21 or older as of today's date?

If yes, please click the button below.

If no, please do not apply at this time and exit out of this application.

  • Yes
02
Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Youth Development Aide Trainee program?
  • Yes
  • No
03
CS-MET 1 Details - If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
04
Do you possess at least one year of full-time experience in the care, custody, activities or personal guidance of adolescents or adults in a behavioral, educational or community-based capacity?
  • Yes
  • No
05
CS-MET 2 Details - If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
06
Have you completed at least 30 college credits, which included at least 12 credits in behavioral sciences or criminal justice?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information.
  • Yes
  • No
07
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

  • Yes
08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – MAINTAIN SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT

Maintain a safe and secure environment by being alert and responding to behavioral based disruptive incidents or emergencies. Utilize appropriate restraint/discipline techniques with disruptive, emotionally disturbed, and suicidal youth to prevent escapes and control aggressiveness.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience responding to disruptive incidents or emergencies AND utilizing appropriate restraint/discipline techniques with COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of criminal justice.
  • B. I have experience responding to disruptive incidents or emergencies AND utilizing appropriate restraint/discipline techniques with ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS) in a RESTRICTIVE/SECURE SETTING; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of behavioral science, or in criminal justice and behavioral science combined.
  • C. I have experience utilizing appropriate restraint/discipline techniques with ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH involved in disruptive incidents or emergencies; OR I have completed college coursework related to this work behavior in the areas of behavioral science or criminal justice.
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
09

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – MAINTAIN SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT (continued)

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience 2. Who were you working with (court adjudicated youth, convicted adults, other adults or youth, etc.) 3. Your specific duties and responsibilities (responding to disruptive incidents or emergencies, utilizing restraint/discipline techniques, etc.) 4. The specific setting (restricted, secure, etc.)

10

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to the college coursework, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. College/University 2. Course Title 3. Credits/Clock Hours

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – PROVIDE INSIGHT AND ESCORT YOUTH

Promote social and emotional growth by providing insight into responsible behaviors and attitudes, building on strengths, and working through personal problems with court adjudicated youth by communicating with and mentoring them as part of their treatment. Escort and accompany adjudicated youth during their activities, special trips and visits.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience providing insight to COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS into responsible behaviors and attitudes, and working through their personal problems by communicating with and mentoring them as part of a treatment or program plan, and escorting them during their activities, special trips and visits; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of criminal justice.
  • B. I have experience providing insight to ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS) into responsible behaviors and attitudes, and working through their personal problems by communicating with and mentoring them as part of a treatment or program plan, and escorting them during their activities, special trips and visits; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of behavioral science, or in criminal justice and behavioral science combined.
  • C. I have experience providing insight to ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH into responsible behaviors and attitudes, and working through their personal problems by communicating with and mentoring them as part of a treatment or program plan; OR I have completed college coursework related to this work behavior in the areas of behavioral science or criminal justice.
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
12

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – PROVIDE INSIGHT AND ESCORT YOUTH (continued)

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience 2. Who were you working with (court adjudicated youth, convicted adults, other adults or youth, etc.) 3. Your specific duties and responsibilities in communicating with and mentoring individuals as part of a treatment or program plan 4. Your specific duties and responsibilities in escorting individuals to activities, trips, etc.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to the college coursework, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. College/University 2. Course Title 3. Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – SUPERVISE DAILY ACTIVITIES AND DUTIES

Supervise and provide instruction to court adjudicated youth regarding their daily activities (such as personal hygiene, eating, recreation, work assignments, program activities, etc.), work and study habits, and daily housekeeping duties (such as cleaning, laundry, caring for furnishings, etc.) to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience supervising and instructing COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS in their daily activities, housekeeping duties, and work and study habits; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of criminal justice.
  • B. I have experience supervising and instructing ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH (OTHER THAN COURT ADJUDICATED YOUTH OR CONVICTED ADULTS) in their daily activities, housekeeping duties, and work and study habits; OR I have at least 12 college credits in the field of behavioral science, or in criminal justice and behavioral science combined.
  • C. I have experience supervising and instructing ANY ADULTS OR YOUTH in their daily activities, housekeeping duties, or work and study habits; OR I have completed college coursework related to this work behavior in the areas of behavioral science or criminal justice.
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – SUPERVISE DAILY ACTIVITIES AND DUTIES (continued)

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience 2. Who were you working with (court adjudicated youth, convicted adults, other adults or youth, etc.) 3. Your specific duties and responsibilities (regarding activities, housekeeping, etc.)

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to the college coursework, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. College/University 2. Course Title 3. Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – SECURITY MEASURES AND FIRE DRILLS

Maintain security measures (such as checking doors, windows and locks, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.) and conduct fire drills and other safety programs, including reporting any deficiencies, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff and adjudicated youth. Maintain appropriate and adequate supplies and equipment in all assigned living areas, and inspect housekeeping functions, in order to meet the needs of the youth.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience maintaining security measures, supplies and equipment, AND conducting fire drills to ensure the health, safety and welfare of others.
  • B. I have experience ASSISTING OTHERS in maintaining security measures, supplies and equipment, AND conducting fire drills to ensure the health, safety and welfare of others.
  • C. I have completed college coursework or formal training related to this work behavior (such as fire safety, CPR, first aid, etc.)
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
18

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – SECURITY MEASURES AND FIRE DRILLS (continued)

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience 2. Your specific duties and responsibilities (regarding security measures, supplies, equipment, fire drills, etc.) 3. Your level of responsibility

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to the college coursework or formal training, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. College/University OR Training Source 2. Course Title 3. Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – PREPARE REPORTS, STATEMENTS, AND LOG BOOK ENTRIES

Prepare incident reports and witness statements to record instances of injury, type of crisis, or investigations. Prepare daily progress reports and log book entries in order to maintain accurate records of daily observations of the youths' progress in meeting program and individual goals.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience preparing incident reports and witness statements, AND daily progress reports and log book entries, to record daily observations of individuals' progression to meet goals.
  • B. I have experience preparing daily progress reports/activity sheets OR log book entries to record daily observations of individuals' progression to meet goals.
  • C. I have experience preparing other record keeping reports or documents not related to an individuals' progression; OR I have completed college coursework in areas related to business writing, technical writing, journalism, etc.
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
21

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – PREPARE REPORTS, STATEMENTS, AND LOG BOOK ENTRIES (continued)

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience 2. List the type of reports/statements you have prepared (incident, daily progress, etc.) 3. Indicate the purpose/content/topic of the report/statement

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to the college coursework, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. College/University 2. Course Title 3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120