Introduction
GRADE
17
LOCATION OF POSITION
DJS/Youth Advocacy Unit Office of theInspector General (OIG)
9700 Old Harford Road
Baltimore MD(Baltimore Co.)
***Work location TBD. Final location will bedetermined upon hiring with the selected candidate and may differ from theaddress listed above based on business needs. ***
Main Purpose of Job
Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS!
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives creating safer communities and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of the Youth Advocate Supervisor (DJS Case Management Specialist Supervisor Community) so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS!
The Youth Advocacy Unit ensures that youth and individuals acting on their behalf can file grievances regarding the behavior of other youth staff contractors or volunteers as well as concerns about the conditions of their confinement. The Youth Advocate Supervisor provides direct supervision and oversight to Youth Advocates who deliver advocacy services to detained or adjudicated youth in DJS residential and detention facilities in order to ensure that youth rights are protected and their needs are met.
The Youth Advocate Supervisor directs the day-to-day work of Youth Advocates in initiating investigating and resolving grievances while ensuring the grievance process is implemented consistently and in accordance with DJS policies procedures and COMAR regulations. The Youth Advocate Supervisor may cover the responsibilities of a Youth Advocate when special circumstances arise.
Some key responsibilities of this position may include but not be limited to the following:
Youth Grievance Oversight and Supervision
- Leading the Youth Grievance process to ensure every youth concern is addressed promptly and fairly.
- Guiding Youth Advocates in investigating grievances thoroughly ensuring all actions align with Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) policies and best practices.
- Approving corrective actions to resolved grievances submitted by Youth Advocates.
- Assigning Youth Advocates strategically across facilities to provide responsive and consistent support for youth in custody.
Grievance Data Management and Reporting
- Overseeing the accurate entry and tracking of grievance data to maintain reliable and actionable records.
- Reviewing final resolutions to ensure quality compliance and timely closure of cases.
- Analyzing trends and outcomes to inform annual reporting enhance facility performance and support continuous improvement.
PREA Compliance and Retaliation Monitoring
- Ensuring compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) by supervising Youth Advocates in conducting orientations monitoring retaliation and following up on incidents.
- Reviewing documentation to confirm accuracy completeness and adherence to DJS and federal standards.
- Maintaining organized and confidential records to support accountability and safe environments for youth.
Staff Supervision Training and Development
- Providing leadership coaching and professional development to Youth Advocates to strengthen skills and enhance performance.
- Approving timesheets managing leave requests and conducting performance evaluations to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Training staff on policies procedures and advocacy techniques to promote excellence in service delivery and youth outcomes.
Administrative Support and Unit Coordination
- Compiling and summarizing Youth Advocates monthly reports to provide the Director with clear actionable insights.
- Participating in meetings committees and workgroups to advance unit goals and foster collaboration.
- Assisting the Director with projects initiatives and special assignments to support the mission and impact of the Youth Advocacy Unit.
This position is eligible to work a hybrid telework schedule.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience providing case management services to emotionally or socially maladjusted delinquent victimized or exceptional juveniles in a community or residential setting.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute possession of an Associate of Arts degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience providing direct services to children in a community or residential setting for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute possession of a Masters degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Social Services classifications or Social Services specialty codes in the Social Science Psychology and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Theideal candidate may possess one or more of the following qualifications:
- Bachelors degree (or higher) in a Social or Behavioral Science (e.g. Criminal Justice Sociology Human Relations Psychology Child and Adolescent Studies Social Work or a closely related field).
- At least two (2) years of experience handling grievances or advocating for the rights and needs of incarcerated individuals.
- At least one (1) year of experience supervising youth in a community or residential setting.
- At least one (1) year of experience supervising staff in a community or residential setting.
LICENSES REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees appointed to positions in this classification are required to become fully certified by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission within 90 days of appointment and maintain certification while employed.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.
3. Employees in this classification that are employed at DJS Youth Centers may be required to complete a Board approved medication technician training program and possess a valid Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) certification as a Medication Technician.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. In accordance with the Correctional Services Article Section 8-209of theAnnotated Code of Marylandthe Maryland Correctional Training Commission shall establish the minimum qualifications for probationary or permanent appointment of a Department of Juvenile Services employee in a mandated position. These requirements are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.10.01.04 general regulations of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and include:
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
Must be at least 21 years of age
A thorough background check including fingerprinting and drug testing
An oral interviewand
Physical and psychological examinations.
2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09 Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your completed application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Candidates will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The resulting certified eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill similar positions of the same classification in this or other State agencies.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education training and/or experience as it relates to the positions requirements.
Therefore it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education.
For education obtained outside the U.S. you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service at the time of hire.
Please complete the supplemental questionnaire if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application.
If you are a Veteran applying for this position please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is
STRONGLYencouraged. However if you are unable to apply online you may mail a paper application and resume to the address below or fax a paper application and resume to the fax number below. If you choose to fax or use regular mail you must include on each page of the attachment your First and Last Name the Recruitment Number that is located at the top of the bulletin and the last 4 digits of your SS#. The paper application
mustbe received by
5:00 pm close of business on the closing date for this recruitment no postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit
217 E Redwood St. Baltimore MD 21202
Attn:Recruitment #25-
Fax number
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required or if you have any questions regarding this recruitment please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Recruitment and Examination Unit the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division at
As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity.
DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.
Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.
Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.