Youth Detention Specialist & Youth Detention Rapid Response Specialist

Make a Difference. Build a Career. Change a Life.

Westchester County is hiring for its Juvenile Detention Team!

Westchester County’s Department of Probation is seeking dedicated individuals to work directly with youth in a secure juvenile detention facility located in Valhalla NY. In this meaningful role, you will work directly with youth in a secure detention setting, providing the structure, stability, accountability, guidance, and positive support they need during a critical time in their lives.

This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Meaningful Work. Real Responsibility:Juvenile detention operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Direct care work is active, hands-on, and requires individuals who can remain calm, professional, and resilient in challenging situations.

Youth may at times be confrontational, aggressive, emotionally dysregulated, or experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges. Staff must be prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies and, when necessary, participate in approved physical interventions or restraints in accordance with department training, policies, and procedures.

Employees may be assigned or mandated to various posts, shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on the safety and operational needs of the facility.

We Will Prepare You:You don't need to have all the answers on day one. We will provide comprehensive training to help you perform this important work safely, confidently, and professionally.

Ready to Make an Impact? Come Join Our Growing Team: • Youth Detention Specialist — Starting at $70,845• Youth Detention Specialist – Spanish-Speaking — Starting at $70,845• Youth Detention Rapid Response Specialist — Starting at $78,270• Youth Detention Rapid Response Specialist – Spanish-Speaking — Starting at $78,270

Learn more about our department & how to apply: Join Westchester County’s Juvenile Detention Team

Besides a competitive salary, our generous compensation package includes comprehensive benefits (including medical, dental, and vision), paid leave (including holidays, vacation and personal days), deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan.

Minimal Requirements for Youth Detention Specialist: High School or equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience working within the youth services field, in a public or private institution supervising juveniles and/or at-risk youths**.

Minimal Requirements for Youth Detention Rapid Response Specialist: A high school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience working with at-risk youth, one of which must have been in a detention or residential setting. SUBSTITUTION: Satisfactory completion of 30 college credits* may be substituted for one year of the above stated general experience, there is no substitution for the one year of experience in a residential setting.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to PRB-WoodfieldEmployment@westchestercountyny.gov Important: Please indicate the Job Title in the subject line of your email.

*Please note, these positions are pending approval by the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Candidates are subject to a background/drug screen and must meet physical requirements.

Westchester County is an Equal Opportunity EmployerAbout Westchester CountyWestchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. Originally home to Native Americans of the Lenape tribe, it is now a rich mix of diverse cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top-notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world-changing nonprofits, and cutting-edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com