State of Maryland

A DJS Program Specialist is the full performance level of work developing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating juvenile services programs.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a program manager or other designated administrator.  The work may require travel to visit homes, schools, community based services and juvenile residential facilities throughout the State.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Develops, coordinates, implements, monitors and evaluates juvenile services programs such as education, recreation and physical education programs in residential facilities, out-of-home placement services, special placement services, parent advisory programs, residential and non-residential facilities and special programs;

Interprets policy and procedure and provides administrative expertise and direction to community, institutional and court services supervisors and managers;

Plans, develops, recommends, and oversees the implementation of new and existing programs, program standards, techniques, procedures and methods to improve the effective delivery of services to juveniles;

Monitors residential and non-residential facilities for adherence to juvenile services laws, rules, regulations and procedures as well as contract compliance;

Develops procurement documents and works with vendors to identify and obtain needed services; Modifies and evaluates existing juvenile services programs;

Prepares reports documenting program activities and achievements as well as identifying and proposing resolutions to systemic problems;

Trains DJS Case Management Specialists and other staff in the regulations, laws, policies and procedures of assigned programs and other administrative functions;

Attends in-service training courses to keep abreast of current juvenile services and treatment principles, techniques and practices;

Makes presentations about juvenile services programs to professional and community groups;

May consult with parents, attorneys, court administrators, public and private agency personnel to obtain and clarify information and explain program policies and procedures;

May act as a liaison to community organizations to develop, coordinate and promote juvenile services programs;

May oversee vendor operated programs in a specified geographical area,

May conduct internal audits of juvenile services programs;

May provide guidance and assistance to program managers in the preparation of the budget for a particular program or youth service;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the administration of juvenile services programs;

Knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to juvenile services programs;

Knowledge of the services provided to juveniles by public and private agencies in the areas of residential treatment, behavior modification, education, employment, health, detention and law enforcement;

Knowledge of the processes and procedures of the juvenile court system;

Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations governing juvenile services;

Ability to monitor and evaluate juvenile services programs in the community and in residential and non-residential facilities for adherence to laws, rules, regulations and procedures as well as contract compliance;

Ability to enlist the cooperation of operational staff and management in facilities and community service settings;

Ability to use computer systems to produce reports and presentations and access informational resources;

Ability to maintain confidentiality of juvenile case materials and related information;

Ability to prepare accurate, clear and complete reports;

Ability to make presentations to professional and community groups;

Ability to communicate effectively with staff from juvenile services facilities, parents and families, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, representatives from public and private organizations and the general public.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited four year college or university.

Experience: Three years of experience providing case management or resource specialist 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 from an accredited college or university and two 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 Master’s degree in the social or behavioral sciences 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 Correctional Institution Administration classifications or Correctional Institution Administration specialty codes in the Miscellaneous Occupations field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit H, Public Safety and Security classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.