MILITARY YOUTH COUNSELOR I

You must have your COVID-19 vaccination for this position!!

This position is located on a military installation and you will need to be able to enter the facility by passing a DOD background check for entering installations.

The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy is one of the 10 original states to begin a ChalleNGe Program. It is endorsed by the State of Maryland and is in a cooperative agreement between The Maryland National Guard and the National Guard Bureau. The academy is located on Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County, Maryland. The Academy is a tuition-free program which offers at-risk adolescents 16 to 18 years old an opportunity to change their future, for the better by providing the skills, education and self-discipline needed to become responsible, productive citizens. The initial program consists of a 22-week residential phase. During this phase the cadets learn self-discipline, leadership and responsibility. Participants live and work in a controlled military environment, encouraging teamwork and personal growth. A12-month post-residential phase focuses on helping enroll graduates in continued education, technical school programs or entry-level employment. During the post-residential phase, students are assisted by at least one trained mentor from the community for further development.

This position provides academic and personal counseling to youth in a highly disciplined atmosphere. Also conducts group and individual counseling using the most effective methods. Assists with educational and work goal setting. Relates corps experiences to real world challenges. Instructs Life Coping Skills and Job Skills at Freestate Challenge Academy (FCA). Collects and maintains all placement, mentor, and cadet files for residential and post residential classes.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One year of experience providing direct services, counseling, case management or supervision and guidance to emotionally or socially maladjusted, delinquent, victimized, or exceptional juveniles in a community or residential setting.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute sixty credit hours which includes 15 credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university and two years of experience providing direct services, counseling, case management or supervision and guidance to youth in a community or residential setting for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the social or behavioral sciences or criminal justice from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned office 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 education.

Preferred Qualifications:

1) One year experience with Mentor programs

2) One year experience at a 24/7 residential facility for At-Risk Youth

3) One year experience with de-escalation techniques

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 operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Employees in this classification will be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid leading to certification.

These certifications must be kept current as a requirement of residential childcare licensure by the Department of Human Resources. 

Employees promoted within the classification series may be required to operate large vans and buses to transport youth offsite. Employees assigned these duties will be required to obtain a Class C Maryland driver’s license.

1. Candidates for positions in this classification will be required to apply for a criminal background check as required by the Family Law Article, Section 5-561, Annotated Code of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification are required to successfully complete training as indicated by the National Challenge Program, such as one-week basis course for all Challenge Program staff and advanced courses on specific job responsibilities.

3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

4. Employees in this classification may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

5. Employees may be required to travel, which may also involve overnight stay.

6. Employees may be subject to call in and work some weekends with notice and are required to provide a number where they can be reached.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your 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. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

This position is not subject to Bargaining MOU's.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. A copy of your proof of eligibility (DD 214) for Veterans’ Credit must be in this office and completely verified before Veterans’ Credit will be approved.

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. 

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application to:

Maryland Military Department

State Personnel Office

29th Division Street, Room B10

Baltimore, MD 21201-2288

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Nick Pindale

nicholas.pindale1@maryland.gov 

Fax: 410-234-3830

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.