Youth Program Officer external

Youth Program Officer I

$5,000 Sign on Incentive (Incentive for external applicants only)

Youth Services Center

5100 SECOND ST NW

$25.54

June 22, 2026

The classification provides direct supervision, care, and treatment of residents who are in custody at the Youth Services Center or its programs. The role maintains security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbances, escapes, and to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community. Responsibilities include processing new residents, conducting strip searches and showers, issuing clothing, and orienting them to the rules and regulations of the Youth Services Center.

• Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbances, escapes, and ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community.
• Process new residents, including strip searching and showering, issuance of clothing, and orientation to the rules and regulations.
• Maintain a written log of behavioral incidents and observations of residents; be aware of resident room assignments; and monitor residents' physical locations at all times.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement programs that include education of residents in daily living skills, social skills, and work/study habits.
• Counsel residents in group and individual sessions.
• Provide oral and written reports on residents to supervisors regarding their progress and problems under custody.
• Assign and monitor activities of residents; supervise residents in physical education and recreational activities.
• Observe and search residents and inspect and search facility as needed.
• Transport residents to court, hospitals, or other facilities and service locations outside of the Youth Services Center.
• Physically restrain violent residents, and, if necessary, pursue residents on foot in cases of escape attempts.
• Initiate contacts with parents, legal guardians, Probation and Parole Officers, and other agencies.
• Assist in the intake process when assigned.
• Handle control center duties including answering the telephone and responding to visitors, court and law enforcement officers, and others with business at the Youth Services Center.
• All position duties may not include every item listed; allocation will be determined by the time spent in performing essential duties.
• Perform other operational job-related duties and on-the-job training as required or assigned.

High School Diploma and two (2) years post‑high school related experience working with youth or two (2) years in a security field or providing direct patient care. Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.

• Employee must successfully complete the post‑offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Employee must comply with the County safety guidelines.
• Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
• Employee must undergo 120 initial hours of on‑the‑job training, including State Juvenile Code and "A Level" Restraint Training, and maintain certification every six months.
• Employee must comply with Bernalillo County safety policy requirements, including use of an OSHA‑approved respirator when required.
• Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain it while employed.

• Duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) with some outdoor work (10%). Indoor duties are in a temperature‑controlled environment. Outdoor duties typically involve transportation of residents and recreational activities with residents.
• Work hazards include potential personal injury from violent residents or heavy exertion activities while restraining or pursuing residents.
• Employee may be required to do shift work.
• Work hazards include working in assignments and areas possibly exposed to infectious disease, requiring the use of an OSHA‑approved respirator.

• Utilizes computers and communication equipment daily.
• Utilizes recreational/sports equipment, facility keys, handcuffs and shackles on a frequent basis.
• Handles fire extinguishers and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
• Operates a County vehicle as necessary.
• Must be able to use, when appropriate, an OSHA‑approved respirator to include medical evaluation for respirator use and fit testing for proper sealing.