Youth Specialist II & III; Detention Services

Youth Specialist II & III (Detention Services)

Job Category:
Detention Services

Requisition Number: YOUTH
001085

Posted:
June 29, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

Rate: $22.34 USD per hour

Dayton, OH 45422, USA

Position Description Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Juvenile Division

Classification

Title:

Youth Specialist II & Youth Specialist III FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt Employment Status:
Full-time Department:
Detention

Reports To:

Youth Specialist Supervisor Civil Service Status:
Unclassified Pay Grade: A9 and A12

Work Schedule:

40 hours per week

Distinguishing Job Characteristics This position is in a 24 hour/7 day a week correctional facility and will be assigned to a work shift, with essential job duties and responsibilities specific to the shift's needs. Work involves monitoring, coaching and directing juvenile behavior and activities in a correctional setting.

In this position, you are an At-Will Employee serving at the pleasure of the Judge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons, covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Supervise and monitor youth in a detention/correctional facility in accordance with established procedures, processes and requirements.

Observe youth behavior and maintain awareness of juvenile emotional and physical needs. Watch for signs of depression, suicide, disturbances, escape plans and other problems and issues. Maintain group control. Control noise level, behavior, and diffuse potentially escalating situations through application of verbal and non-verbal deescalating techniques.

Provide therapeutic environment that promotes accountability and appropriate consequences for delinquent behavior. Expose youth to adaptive and social skills training and teach and mentor responsibility and self-control. Ensure youth attend required educational classes.

Maintain and enforce security procedures and ensure safety and security of both youth and staff. Resolve differences and disagreements among youth and intervene in youth altercations. Help restrain youth and deal with behavior problems as necessary in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Conduct searches of youth and rooms to locate contraband and conduct night perimeter checks to identify unusual situations to ensure building security.

Complete Behavior Observation Logs which reflect juvenile behavior, problems, visitation, isolation, restrictions, interaction with peers, and other issues. Complete incident reports, damage reports, emergency medical reports and other records. Recommend discipline and complete juvenile disciplinary reports.

Conduct group sessions to help establish peer communication and understanding, and to explore alternatives to delinquent behavior. Guide students in owning their decisions and developing a strong sense of self-worth. Assist youth in dealing with peer and social pressures, and family issues. Guide youth in developing school, home and social skills, and assist in formulating life objectives.

Maintain communication with "ending shift" Youth Specialists to discuss youth problems, incidences and other issues to ensure understanding of youth issues and needs and maintain security.

Operate vehicle to transport youth to and from hospital, medical appointments, activities, programs and other locations.

Monitor visitation and maintain log reflecting names of visitors, juvenile visited and related information. Observe visitors and monitor physical contact between youth and visitor to maintain facility security. Confer with parents and guardians to provide feedback and solicit information pertaining to youth problems, issues and needs.

Admit youth to facility. Search youth for contraband, require youth to shower, and provide youth with personal necessities. Conduct initial orientation and attitude testing to assess youth's mental, emotional and academic status. Explain facility rules and regulations and provide juveniles with a handbook to guide behavior and document understanding.

Provide basic physical needs for youth. Prepare for meal time and serve meals. Provide clothing, bedding, and other necessary items.

Provide CPR, AED and first aid as necessary, and contact medical personnel to provide professional medical care in serious emergency situations. Accompany youth to hospital to maintain security and youth well-being.

Other Duties and Responsibilities Perform related duties as assigned.

Scope of Supervision Supervise up to 15 youth in a secure environment.

Equipment Operated Vehicle, computer, copier, telephone and other standard office equipment; microwave, clothes washer and dryer; laundry cart; general household equipment; gym equipment; TV; DVD player; keys; handcuffs; shackles; mobile radio.

Contact with Others Juveniles;
Mental health staff; youth families; legal guardians; clergy; interns;…