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Youth Detention Workers

Exam Type
Notice of Vacancy
Department
Social Services - Youth Services
Job Category
Human Services
Location Category
Buffalo
Location
810 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo
Salary Range
$21.50 per Hour
Changed

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

VACANCY NOTICE

DEPARTMENT:                          SOCIAL SERVICES/YOUTH SERVICES

TITLE OF POSITION:                 YOUTH DETENTION WORKER (Full-time*)

LOCATION:                                YOUTH DETENTION

SHIFT:                                          VARIOUS

SALARY:                                      $21.502 Hourly

*Please note that this position is a competitive civil service title and will require a civil service examination in the future. After the exam, selection for permanent appointment(s) will be made from reachable candidate(s) on the eligible list according to the NYS Civil Service Rule of Three.

The work involves the responsibility for overseeing the activities of children assigned to Secure and Specialized Secure Youth facilities, Department of Youth Services. The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of the daily recreational, social and routine work activities of the youth. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher ranking administrative employee. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

  • Plans and assists with planning of daily activities for the youth;
  • Supervises youth during various daily activities; Performs and/or assists in activities related to housekeeping, maintenance or child care as needed;
  • Follows policies, procedures and regulations of the Secure and Specialized Secure Youth Facilities;
  • Continually engage youth through active supervision including mentoring, teaching and coaching;
  • Prepares and maintains daily program activity written reports and all other required reports;
  • Confers with other departmental staff regarding the youth’s behavior, adjustments and needs;
  • Transports youth for court appearances, clinic appointments and other activities as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of motivation, interest, attitudes, and behavior patterns of youth and adolescents; good knowledge of the regulations and procedures of Youth facilities; ability to work with youth in a custodial setting, including ability to perform appropriate physical restraints; ability to relate and deal with youth and adolescents in a firm and sympathetic manner; ability to gain and hold the confidence of, and to maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude toward youth, especially those with emotional behavior problems; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with support staff members; ability to understand and follow routine oral and written instructions; ability to maintain records and reports; working knowledge of techniques to deescalate situations; mental alertness; confidentiality; tact; courtesy; dependability; strength and agility; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A.) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience working with youths* or providing direct care in a public or private institution; or:

B.) Possession of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree may be substituted for the experience.

*Youths – Persons who have reached their seventh birthday but have not yet reached their twenty-first birthday

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

Eligibility for New York State Driver’s License at the time of application. Possession of the License and use of a private automobile at the time of appointment.  Section 424-a of the Social Services Law requires the local social services district to inquire whether the applicant is the subject of an indicated child abuse or maltreatment report on file with the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.  All potential employees for this position will be required to sign the necessary clearance form prior to being advised that they will be hired. Refusal to sign will be cause for an automatic non-selection.  Subject to background investigation and fingerprinting for appointment. (Applicant may be required to submit the necessary fees for the fingerprint processing.) As required by law or statute, subject to medical examination including tuberculin (TB) test, at time of appointment and throughout period of employment when assigned to Youth Services.  

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.  

If interested and meet the above qualifications, please send a resume and cover letter to: 

MARY ELLEN BROCKMYRE

SECOND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER - SOCIAL SERVICES

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

95 FRANKLIN STREET, ROOM 860

BUFFALO NY 14202

Mary.Brockmyre@erie.gov

 

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.