Become a Juvenile Program Worker

Long Creek Youth Development Center, South Portland, ME

Apply Online

A Juvenile Program Worker is paraprofessional support work involving the interaction, care, security, treatment, and rehabilitation of juveniles committed to a correctional facility. This classification is distinguished from traditional correctional officers in that a primary focus of this work involves the treatment, rehabilitation, and behavior modification of troubled youth. Work is performed under general supervision.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Maintain security and provide direct care.
  • Model appropriate behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals
  • Coordinate and supervise residents’ daily living activities
  • Enforce facility rules
  • Implement rehabilitative, protective, treatment and behavioral health programs and services.

This position requires exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray).

We’ll Provide you with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to be a Successful JPW:

  • Six-week Basic Corrections Training Program with Maine Criminal Justice Academy certification.
  • Learn de-escalation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and defense techniques.
  • Two weeks of on-the-job training.
  • Ongoing coaching and mentoring
  • Support and professional development.
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Paid job shadow program available prior to BCTP commitment. Contact HR for details.

Application Requirements:

  • Age:  Be at least 18 years of age to apply.
  • Education:  Be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent certificate (HiSET, GED, etc.).
  • Conduct: Have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records. See Automatic Disqualifiers for details.
  • License/Certification: Possess a valid driver's license.

Hiring Process

  1. Application Evaluation: Applications are reviewed to verify that each candidate meets the established Minimum Qualifications/Requirements. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are disqualified from further consideration.
     
  2. Physical Agility Test (PAT): Standards for successful completion of the PAT are available upon request. Physical Agility Test (PDF)
     
    • Push-Up Test;
    • Sit-Up Test;
    • Step Test (96 steps in :60 seconds);
    • 140 lbs. Dummy Drag Test;
    • Fire Extinguisher Carry Test; and
    • 1-Mile Run/Brisk Walk Test.
       
  3. Oral Board Interview: Applicants successfully meeting the Minimum Requirements and who have passed PAT will be scheduled for an Oral Board Interview. The Oral Board is a pass/fail component of the applicant process.  The Oral Board is a structured interview that evaluates applicants' skills in the areas of:
     
    • Commitment & Independence;
    • Judgment & Logic;
    • Decision-Making Decisiveness;
    • Tact & Diplomacy; and
    • Communication Skills.
       
  4. Background Investigation: Applicants who successfully pass the Oral Board Interview will have a finger-print based criminal history record check along with a prior employment reference check.
     
  5. ALERT Test: Applicants must complete the ALERT test, which is a multiple-choice exam designed to determine Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills level.  

Requirements Upon Hire:

  • A valid, State of Maine driver's license.
  • Completion of the Basic Corrections Training Course.
    (organized and funded by DOC upon hire – includes mandatory exposure to chemical agents)
     

Apply Online


The Maine Department of Corrections is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.