YouthServices (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed andprovide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young peopleages 7-21. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. TheDepartment promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, andhas been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providingadolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment. The Department of YouthServices employs staff in various professions and backgrounds in order toengage young people in strategies that support positive youth development. As akey member of the residential team, direct-care staff must monitor and provideon-site and immediate intervention of DYS youth in our residential facilities. This position will belocated at the Hyde Park Office and the address is 931 Hyde Park Avenue, 2ndFloor, Hyde Park, MA. The Youth ServicesCaseworkers primary duties include, but are not limited to the following: Complete diagnosticassessments on youth committed to the agency by conducting home visits andassessments; interview family members and caregivers with a focus on such areasas developmental and behavioral history, family and educational history andpeer relationships, delinquency behavior and substance abuse; review medicationand medical history to provide appropriate services to the youth based onassessment and to determine the youths risk and/or needs. Develop a servicedelivery plan and monitor implementation by reviewing and updating plan goals;participate in meetings on the clients short and long term treatment needs inorder to provide structure and to encourage and support positive change.Participate in the coordination and delivery of individual core and pro-socialservices and activities in areas such as education, employment, civicengagement, physical and behavioral health, interpersonal relationships and pro-socialskills. Monitor clientaccountability through specific supervision regimes including electronicmonitoring, daily school and home checks, regular program visits, drug testingand self-reporting to determine progress in particular programs, to determinereasons for identified negative behavior and to make determinations concerningthe need for changes in program or facility assignments, service plans orreferrals. Request authorization toissue warrants and assists in coordination of youth apprehension with local,state police and other agency law enforcement including Department of YouthServices (DYS) personnel to ensure both youth and public safety. Initiate theissuance and/or cancellation of parole violation and escape warrants anddetainers. Develop and maintainprofessional relationships and open communication with juvenile justice systemstakeholders including courts, police departments, district attorneys offices,parents, schools, government agencies and community resources to facilitatecontinuum of care for youth, to resolve problem situations and to determineavailability of resources. Provide and/orcoordinate the transportation of youth to courts, job interviews, medicalappointments, schools, programs and other locations to ensure youth receiveappropriate services. Transports parents/caretakers of youth to activitiesrelated to the youths service plan. Develop andmaintain a comprehensive case file including monthly records, case histories,clinical evaluations, police reports and revocation packages for disseminationand sharing of information to relevant stakeholders. Enters data into theagencys client management database. Coordinate DNA testingand special status notifications in compliance with agency policy in order toensure required timelines and standards are met. Provide intensive casemanagement for high risk youths (ie: gang involved and sex offenders) and youthwith mental health and serious trauma histories to lower risk to the communityand promote positive change. Ensure comprehensive andindividualized discharge planning for all youth. Offers and coordinatesvoluntary post-discharge services (e.g. Assent of Ward) to all youth in advanceof their discharge from commitment. Represent the agency at courtsessions by communicating information on department regulations regardingcommitted and detained or pre-adjudicated youth; assist in implementingalternative placement options to divert youths from the detention system byidentifying less restrictive, community based settings or home based supports. Participate in theprocess necessary to establish targeted case management rates. PreferredQualifications: * Strong written and verbal skills. * Considerable knowledge of casework principles and methods. * Considerable knowledge of the cases, rehabilitative methods and prevention of juvenile delinquency. * Considerable knowledge of State laws pertaining to juvenile laws and juvenile rights. * Considerable knowledge of community agencies capacity to provide resources to youth with special needs and role of community agencies on youth behavior. * Working knowledge of the principle of Dialectical** Behavioral **Therapy(DBT). * Knowledge of and experience in community corrections.