Job Summary
The DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) mission is to improve public safety and give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.
DYRS is an agency tasked with providing holistic and therapeutic programs and services to adjudicated youth between the ages of 12-21 in the District of Columbia. It serves as the District's cabinet level juvenile justice agency. DYRS administers detention, commitment, and aftercare services for youth held under its care in its secure facilities or residing in the DC community. The Youth Development Representative (YDR) position is located in the Secured Programs Division, under the purview of the Deputy Director of Secured Programs with the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)
Duties And Responsibilities
The Youth Development Representative (YDR) has the responsibility for the rehabilitation, direct supervision and active positive engagement, as well as the safety and security of youth in the custody of DYRS. Special emphasis is placed on interacting with troubled youth when assisting in treatment and supervision, and consistent with the principles of positive youth development (progressive services, supports and opportunities which help youth become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent). The position will receive intensive, hands-on, training under the direct supervision of the department's training division and/or facility supervisory staff. As a YDR, you will provide for the day-to-day direct supervision and positive engagement of youth in the department's care and custody; provide vigilance in the performance of assigned duties and will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team endeavoring to rehabilitate and provide safe, secure, and humane treatment of youth in custody.
The incumbents are required to maintain ongoing visual contact with all youth under their supervision and engage the youth in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner. Additionally, YDRs’ are expected to transport youth to court and other varied locations; supervise recreational activities; maintain custody of youth in hospitals and medical clinics, and monitor living, dining, and educational areas, in an engaging and interactive manner, while assuring youth and staff safety. The main goal for a YDR is to prioritize and ensure positive interaction, safety, security and rehabilitation of youth, while under direct supervision. Youth Development Representatives are expected to de-escalate conflicts, tensions, fights or other disturbances, and when necessary are required to physically restrain and impose discipline of youth consistent with department policies and procedures.
Qualifications And Education
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.
OR
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience may have been gained in work such as police officer, mental health counselor in a residential facility, or detention officer. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
Required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a DC Government vehicle.
Working Conditions / Environment
Work is performed in a juvenile detention facility. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Due to the nature of the responsibilities of this position, work hours are on a rotational basis to any of DYRS facilities, group homes, or service areas. This facility is a 24/7 operation. Shifts may vary. Rotational tour of work normally requiring rotation on each of three tours - AM, PM, Midnight - seven days per week, and holidays. Employees are subject to a mandatory overtime draft depending on the needs of the facility.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0007-07
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is a union position covered by Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and may require the payment of an agency service fee through direct payroll deductions.
Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability –Safety Sensitive.
The incumbent must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of walking, standing, bending, grasping, talking, repetitive motions, squatting, running, jumping and climbing; to carry or drag an individual (125 pounds, or more) a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet; and to fully perform DYRS approved restraint techniques and to apply restraining devices to aggressive and assaultive youth. The incumbent must have visual and hearing acuity to fully observe the behaviors and interactions of residents and other persons within the facility or during official travel and activities, and to effectively receive and transmit communications by two-way radios and telephones and be able to read and interpret written material and must possess effective written and oral communication skills.
A physical exam and physical assessment examination will be conducted during the pre-employment process to verify that the incumbent can meet the physical demand of the position.
A Child Protection Registry clearance is also required.
In compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), DYRS is required to employ adequate gender specific staff to carry out duties of the position. During each hiring cycle, DYRS will assess its current population of youth and staff to determine the current staffing needs and will hire accordingly. The specific duties that require gender specific staff are daily direct care responsibilities such as body searches and shower supervisions.
Essential Designation: This position has been designated as an essential employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual, Chapter 12. As such, your services may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operations, food distribution, and communication. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.
Career Pathways Statement: This position is part of the Pathway to Government Employment Partnership Program. District residents who received a high school diploma from the District of Columbia Public Schools or a District public charter school or received a GED or its equivalent from the District of Columbia will receive priority consideration for this entry-level position. Applicants must provide a high school transcript, GED certificate, high school diploma, or other applicable documentation along with verification of District residency before the District Government may extend a final offer of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
The DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) mission is to improve public safety and give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.
DYRS is an agency tasked with providing holistic and therapeutic programs and services to adjudicated youth between the ages of 12-21 in the District of Columbia. It serves as the District's cabinet level juvenile justice agency. DYRS administers detention, commitment, and aftercare services for youth held under its care in its secure facilities or residing in the DC community. The Youth Development Representative (YDR) position is located in the Secured Programs Division, under the purview of the Deputy Director of Secured Programs with the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)
Duties And Responsibilities
The Youth Development Representative (YDR) has the responsibility for the rehabilitation, direct supervision and active positive engagement, as well as the safety and security of youth in the custody of DYRS. Special emphasis is placed on interacting with troubled youth when assisting in treatment and supervision, and consistent with the principles of positive youth development (progressive services, supports and opportunities which help youth become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent). The position will receive intensive, hands-on, training under the direct supervision of the department's training division and/or facility supervisory staff. As a YDR, you will provide for the day-to-day direct supervision and positive engagement of youth in the department's care and custody; provide vigilance in the performance of assigned duties and will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team endeavoring to rehabilitate and provide safe, secure, and humane treatment of youth in custody.
The incumbents are required to maintain ongoing visual contact with all youth under their supervision and engage the youth in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner. Additionally, YDRs’ are expected to transport youth to court and other varied locations; supervise recreational activities; maintain custody of youth in hospitals and medical clinics, and monitor living, dining, and educational areas, in an engaging and interactive manner, while assuring youth and staff safety. The main goal for a YDR is to prioritize and ensure positive interaction, safety, security and rehabilitation of youth, while under direct supervision. Youth Development Representatives are expected to de-escalate conflicts, tensions, fights or other disturbances, and when necessary are required to physically restrain and impose discipline of youth consistent with department policies and procedures.
Qualifications And Education
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.
OR
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience may have been gained in work such as police officer, mental health counselor in a residential facility, or detention officer. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
Required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a DC Government vehicle.
Working Conditions / Environment
Work is performed in a juvenile detention facility. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Due to the nature of the responsibilities of this position, work hours are on a rotational basis to any of DYRS facilities, group homes, or service areas. This facility is a 24/7 operation. Shifts may vary. Rotational tour of work normally requiring rotation on each of three tours - AM, PM, Midnight - seven days per week, and holidays. Employees are subject to a mandatory overtime draft depending on the needs of the facility.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0007-07
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is a union position covered by Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and may require the payment of an agency service fee through direct payroll deductions.
Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability –Safety Sensitive.
The incumbent must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of walking, standing, bending, grasping, talking, repetitive motions, squatting, running, jumping and climbing; to carry or drag an individual (125 pounds, or more) a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet; and to fully perform DYRS approved restraint techniques and to apply restraining devices to aggressive and assaultive youth. The incumbent must have visual and hearing acuity to fully observe the behaviors and interactions of residents and other persons within the facility or during official travel and activities, and to effectively receive and transmit communications by two-way radios and telephones and be able to read and interpret written material and must possess effective written and oral communication skills.
A physical exam and physical assessment examination will be conducted during the pre-employment process to verify that the incumbent can meet the physical demand of the position.
A Child Protection Registry clearance is also required.
In compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), DYRS is required to employ adequate gender specific staff to carry out duties of the position. During each hiring cycle, DYRS will assess its current population of youth and staff to determine the current staffing needs and will hire accordingly. The specific duties that require gender specific staff are daily direct care responsibilities such as body searches and shower supervisions.
Essential Designation: This position has been designated as an essential employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual, Chapter 12. As such, your services may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operations, food distribution, and communication. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.
Career Pathways Statement: This position is part of the Pathway to Government Employment Partnership Program. District residents who received a high school diploma from the District of Columbia Public Schools or a District public charter school or received a GED or its equivalent from the District of Columbia will receive priority consideration for this entry-level position. Applicants must provide a high school transcript, GED certificate, high school diploma, or other applicable documentation along with verification of District residency before the District Government may extend a final offer of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.