Juvenile Justice Intern (College) - North East Secure Treatment Unit

The Department Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS) is seeking applicants for its 2026 Summer Internship Program located in Pittston, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity for students interested in corrections, criminal justice, juvenile justice, and other related areas. The field of juvenile justice is multidisciplinary and deploys the expertise and services of individuals from a wide range of professions.

The BJJS Summer Internship provides an opportunity for students to develop their career interests and goals through meaningful, productive work in the public sector. This program is designed to help student interns make a difference in the lives of adjudicated youth while developing their understanding of the juvenile justice landscape in the Commonwealth. If you would like to experience professional growth and networking opportunities through a rewarding summer internship, we look forward to receiving your application.

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

As a BJJS intern, you will participate in on-the-job training designed to develop the knowledge, skills, abilities, and worker traits of a Juvenile Justice Specialist. Work involves attending and successfully completing the Juvenile Justice Academy that includes coursework in professionalism and ethics, adolescent development and behavior, principles of safety, security and supervision, group facilitation skills, effective communication skills, applicable Pennsylvania codes, CPR/AED and basic first-aid, use of mechanical devices, suicide management and awareness, Safe Crisis Management, medication awareness, cultural awareness, fire safety, and search procedures. Work is performed under the direct and close supervision of a Youth Development Counselor Manager and other higher-level personnel who assign workload, provide guidance and direction, and review progress.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time summer internship
• Work hours will vary and may change based on operational needs.
• Free parking!
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Hourly Rate: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting rate of $17.38 per hour (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirements:

• You must be 21 years of age or older.
• You must be a college Junior/Senior enrolled (or intending to enroll) in an accredited college or university with 12 or more credits for the fall semester.
• You must be in good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher).
• You must be working toward a degree in Criminal Justice, Restorative Justice, Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, Social Sciences, Special Education, Child Development or closely related field.

• You must be willing to accept employment at North East Secure Treatment Unit and commute to this location in Pittston, PA.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.