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.

Open positions (except Juvenile Justice Specialist positions) are posted frequently on the Illinois jobs website. 

View openings at the new Monarch Youth Center in Lincoln, IL!

Types of positions often posted include licensed educators, leisure time activities specialists, dietary workers, human resources roles, finance positions, and more.  

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 September 2025. Hiring process for the Monarch Youth Center is in progress.
• All interested candidates are asked to attend an employment screening. Information & instructions for screenings are below.

• 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.

1. Be sure you meet the qualifications listed above.
2.  Fill out an Electronic Application at least 5 business days before the screening you will attend. Note: All information submitted on the application is confidential. After receiving your application, IDJJ will notify you of the next screening to be held in your area.
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. )

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.)

IYC Harrisburg- 1201 W. Poplar Harrisburg, IL 

• May 30
• June 27
• July 25

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

• May 15
• June 12
• July 10

• May 20 
• June 24 
• July 22

IYC Chicago- 100 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL

• May 21
• June 25
• July 23

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

• More info coming soon

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

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 Employee Benefits (illinois.gov)

- FY 2023 Benefit Choice - State Employees Group Insurance Program (illinois.gov)

- State Holidays - Employee Resources (illinois.gov)

- SERS of Illinois

- State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan - Deferred Compensation