Apprehension Officer, Metro Region

About the Department

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts General Laws, our mission is to protect the public and prevent crime by promoting positive change in the lives of youth committed to DYS care and custody. We partner with communities, families, the public, and provider agencies to achieve this goal through interventions that build knowledge, develop skills, and promote positive behavioral change. Our primary objective is to reintegrate youth back into the community as productive citizens.

DYS works in close collaboration with provider agencies, law enforcement, school officials, and families to ensure services are effective and create pathways to success. By strengthening these partnerships, we help make communities better and safer places for everyone.

About the Role

The AWOL Apprehension Officer plays a critical role in the safety and security of the juvenile justice system. This position involves performing various care and security activities for juveniles in custody, observing conduct and behavior, and maintaining liaison with staff, law enforcement, and professional specialists. The role is designed to support the Department's mission by ensuring compliance with conditional liberty grants and facilitating the safe return of youth to the community.

Day-to-day, you will coordinate client apprehensions and serve as the liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. You will participate in intelligence gathering networks involving schools and community agencies, and work closely with Northeast Region personnel to ensure compliance of clientele placed in the community. The role also involves assisting in investigations related to escapes, inspecting local police juvenile lock-up facilities, and maintaining detailed records and reports for the Regional Apprehension Team Supervisor.

Hiring and Interview Process

Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment screening process. This includes:

• Drug Screening
• Psychological Screening
• Medical Examination
• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with Human Resources Division guidelines. Please note that education and license information provided by selected candidates may be published on the Commonwealth's website in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

Application Instructions First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days of the posting. For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 (select option #4). If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

Vaccination Requirement

Per Title 101 CMR 23.00, certain agency staff are required to have received the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. Successful candidates for this position will be required to acknowledge and attest to their vaccination status for both diseases.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they feel they do not meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.