JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SERVICES, OCYF, DHS

JOB CODE: 43535

DEFINITION: This is administrative and managerial work within the Department of Human Services (DHS) directing statewide juvenile justice services for the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF). The employee in this job is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating statewide services for adjudicated youth. Work includes directing the development, implementation, and evaluation of juvenile justice service programs, policies, regulations, and systems; directing the operations of youth development centers and youth forestry camps; and providing guidance and consultation to boards of trustees and coordinating with local governments, courts, and private providers to ensure the availability and effective delivery of a complete spectrum of appropriate juvenile justice services. The employee also ensures that the treatment and rehabilitative needs of youth are identified, and services are coordinated with other state, community, and private agencies. Work includes managing and directing the development of policies, procedures, goals, and objectives for integrating and implementing mandated programs within state-operated facilities to assure that quality care for adjudicated youth is provided in compliance with federal and state regulations. Supervision is exercised over youth development center and youth forestry camp directors, and professional, technical, and clerical staff. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary for Children, Youth, and Family Services and is reviewed through conferences and written reports for overall program effectiveness. 

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

•Directs the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to juvenile justice services and provides feedback on legislative changes impacting bureau services.

•Directs youth development center and youth forestry camp directors and bureau managers in the development and evaluation of juvenile justice service programs.

•Directs the coordination of juvenile justice services with other state, community, and private agencies to ensure that adjudicated youth are placed and treated inappropriate settings for residential care and public safety.

•Makes recommendations to the OCYF Deputy Secretary for new or revised legislation to promote quality juvenile justice services.

•Directs the review of budgets and contracts for juvenile justice services provided by state and local governments and private agencies.

•Serves as liaison to juvenile justice private groups and facilities, county courts, Juvenile Court Judges Commission, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Chief Juvenile Probation Officers Association, and federal and state agencies on administration of juvenile justice services in commonwealth facilities.

•Plans and develops juvenile justice services and programs that are responsive to the needs of the community and the court- committed youth.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• May participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY-LEVEL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of policy and program planning, development, and evaluation.

• Knowledge of laws, policies, and standards pertaining to juvenile justice services.

• Knowledge of the principles, dynamics, and structure of community, county, and local organizations and agencies relating to juvenile justice services.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Knowledge of the principles of employee supervision.

• Ability to analyze and interpret regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to develop and analyze policies, procedures, and practices for application to juvenile justice facility management.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Seven years of professional human services experience, that includes four years of managerial experience in programs related to the rehabilitation of adjudicated youth, and a bachelor’s degree in juvenile justice, criminal justice, or a related field;

                                                                                                                                                                            or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes four years of managerial experience in programs related to the rehabilitation of adjudicated youth.