Youth Services Specialist - Betty K. Marler - Female Youth Services Center

Overview

This position is open to Colorado residents only. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (full time and part time). This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies at Betty K. Marler Youth Services Center, which is an all-female youth facility.

About the Division of Youth Services (DYS):
The mission of DYS is to protect, restore and improve public safety by providing supervision, accountability to victims and communities, and positive youth development. DYS operates 15 secure facilities for youth ages 10 to 21 and administers juvenile detention, assessment, commitment, parole, and the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum. DYS also provides state-supported youth services and aims to increase the diversity of staff and provide culturally responsive programs.

Explore the DYS website to learn more about services to youth, families, and communities in Colorado:
Colorado.gov/cdhs/dys. We encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

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This position is a direct care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of youth in DYS state-operated secure facilities. Duties and expectations include Safety/Security, Youth Center Programming, Documentation/Recording and Reporting, Training, and Organizational Accountability. Positions may require overtime on a rotating basis based on business needs.

Duties Include (not exhaustive):

• Safety/Security
  :
  Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Monitor and enforce behavioral management plans, supervise youth, conduct crises interventions, de-escalation, and searches.

• Youth Center Programming
  :
  Implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program; teach, coach, and redirect youth; support DYS initiatives related to youth programming and crisis intervention.

• Documentation/Recording and Reporting
  :
  Document observations of youth behavior and program responses; maintain logs and records; document youth group activities in databases.

• Organizational Accountability
  :
  Demonstrate and promote a positive, trauma-responsive environment; adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and CDHS/DYS policies; contribute to a healthy organizational culture.

• Training
  :
  Complete DYS Pre-Service training, Youth Center training, and orientation; some travel may be required; complete online training and support implementation of behavior management strategies; develop skills in problem-solving, relationship-building with youth, trauma-informed approaches, and de-escalation.

• Other Duties as Assigned

Important notes
:
Read the full job announcement and follow all instructions before applying. Documentation may be required for credit; timelines are firm.

Education
:
High school diploma or GED. Substitutions:
None.

These positions are not sedentary; employees are on their feet during shifts and may need to climb stairs. Be prepared for physical intervention as needed.

• College education in behavioral health or juvenile justice-related field.

• Experience with adjudicated/detained youth in secure residential or behavioral health settings;

• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups;

• Experience with trauma-informed work with adolescents;

• Experience mentoring or coaching youth;

• Experience using verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques;

• Relevant state service experience.

• Conflict management; strong work ethic, integrity, dependability; sound judgment; self-control and composure under stress; clear, respectful communication.

• Ability to identify changes, hazards, or security concerns and communicate them effectively.

• Ability to study information, recount events in writing clearly and concisely.

Shift work is required, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary and may be 8, 10, or 12 hours. Mandatory overtime may be required. This is an essential position and may require reporting to work during inclement weather.

Condi…