Keystone State Challenge Academy Team Leader (Dormitory Counselor)

Are you ready to lead the next generation of learners? The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is seeking a Dormitory Counselor to guide teenage cadets at the Keystone State Challenge Academy. Our quasi-military environment helps cadets focus on school, emotional health, and fitness. By serving as a Dormitory Counselor, you will act as a team leader and a role model who empowers cadets to hold themselves accountable. Together, we can help at-risk youth achieve brighter futures.

Click here learn more about the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

In this position, you will provide a structured environment that prioritizes learning and personal development. This includes setting clear expectations and enforcing disciplinary measures. You will directly supervise cadets, enforce their daily schedules, conduct inspections of their property and uniforms, and escort them between activities. Using military principles and practices, you will train cadets in the areas of military drills and ceremonies, recreational activities, physical fitness techniques, and barracks and building maintenance and cleaning. You will also help cadets improve study habits, social skills, and personal hygiene. By demonstrating acceptable standards and discipline, you will reinforce positive behavior and encourage emotional growth.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, including frequent weekends. Your work hours will alternate to meet operational needs. This position requires scheduling flexibility to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of experience in working with school age children (aged 6 to 21) or adults in an organized physical, recreational, educational, or related program; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid federal or state-issued photo ID and pass a favorable NCIC screening for admittance to Fort Indiantown Gap.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Working knowledge of military customs, courtesies, drills, and ceremonies
• Ability to conduct physical training with cadets
• Knowledge of at-risk teenage population

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• You must pass a background investigation.
• 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.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.

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.

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.