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Aug. 2024-Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Opportunity for Juveniles Seeking Expungement- SB3463 removes barriers to expungement through creation of an automatic process. READ MORE 

Careers at IDJJ

IDJJ is almost always hiring for Juvenile Justice Specialist positions at all of our youth centers! A description of the position, instructions for applying, and information on the mandatory employment screening is listed below.

A link to explore all other open positions can be found at the bottom of the page!

Juvenile Justice Specialists

The Juvenile Justice Specialist position plays a key role in facilitating this mission, which is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes.

If you are interested in being part of an environment that is committed to preparing youth for successful reintegration into their communities through programming, treatment, and services while providing them with safety, security, and accountability, we welcome you to apply for the Juvenile Justice Specialist position. The starting salary for the position is $62,532.

Please note the following:

  • This is a full-time, shift work position
  • IDJJ has five youth centers located throughout the state: IYC Chicago, IYC Harrisburg, IYC Pere Marquette (Grafton), PEACE Center at St. Charles, and IYC Warrenville. 
  • A sixth center is scheduled to open in Lincoln, IL in early 2025. Hiring process for Lincoln begins the summer of 2024.
  • All interested candidates are asked to attend an employment screening. Information & instructions for screenings are below.

Qualifications for Juvenile Justice Specialist Position

  • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and either;    
  •     (A) any bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university or
  •     (B) Verification of 2 or more years of experience providing direct care to youth in the form of residential care, coaching, case management, or mentoring
  • 21+ years of age
  • Valid driver's license
  • U.S. citizen or authorized alien with proof of permanent resident card
  • Speak, read, and write English
  • Fluency in additional languages is a plus and can be compensated accordingly
  • Requires physical agility and strength to stand and walk for up to three hours at a time, to run for short distances, and to provide physical intervention and control, as necessary, in order to protect and/or restrain individuals.

How to Apply for Juvenile Justice Specialist Position

  1. Be sure you meet the qualifications listed above.
  2.  Fill out an Electronic Application at least 3 business days before the screening you will attend.
  3. Prepare a comprehensive resume to bring to the screening.
  4. Gather the needed identification documents listed on the Items to Bring to Screening page. Most importantly, bring a COPY of your driver's license AND your original license to the screening
  5. Attend an employment screening. (Be sure you have done the electronic application a few days in advance. Don't forget to bring your driver's license, a copy of your driver's license, and your resume. Bring all other additional completed forms as well. )

Upcoming Juvenile Justice Specialist Employment Screenings in 2025

All screenings begin at 8 a.m. & take 4-6 hours. Please complete the electronic application prior to arrival and bring the required documents to screening. (See above.)

IL Southern Region

IYC Harrisburg- 1201 W. Poplar Harrisburg, IL 62946

  • January 24
  • February 28
  • March 28
  • April 25
  • May 30
  • June 27
  • July 25

IYC Pere Marquette-17808 State Highway 100W, Grafton, IL 62037

  • January 16
  • February 13
  • March 13
  • April 10
  • May 15
  • June 12
  • July 10

IL Northern Region

Phoenix Emerging Adults Center (PEACE) at St. Charles- 3825 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175
 
  • January 21 & 22
  • February 18 & 19
  • March 18 & 19
  • April 22 & 23
  • May 20 & 21
  • June 24 & 25
  • July 22 & 23

IL Central Region

Lincoln Park District-1400 Primm Road in Lincoln, Illinois.

  • January 14 & 15
  • February 11 & 12
  • March 11 & 12

 

Questions about Juvenile Justice Specialist positions, application process, and screenings can be directed to kyle.robson@illinois.gov

Other Staff Positions

State of Illinois Employees:

OTHER OPEN POSITIONS: External Applicants can search all open positions using the link below:

-https://illinois.jobs2web.com

IllinoisJobLink.com

- FY 2025 IDJJ-Affirmative Action Plan

 

State of Illinois Benefits