Lead Youth Security Officer Trauma-Informed

Correctional Youth Security Officer II – Gilliam Youth Services

This position provides 24‑hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State‑Operated Secure Facilities. The role is direct‑care and essential, maintaining safety and security through appropriate supervision, presenting crisis intervention, and ensuring compliance with CDHS and DYS policies. The officer directs daily living and leisure activities, implements a trauma‑responsive approach, and serves a complex adolescent population with behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors.

The position functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs.

Safety and Security

• Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth in a locked setting.
• Ensure staff location, mobility, and continual observation to maintain safety.
• Enforce security rules, supervise daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to unit/facility rules, and intervene early or actively in potentially volatile situations.
• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, exercising sound judgment and emotional control.
• Participate in defusing and debriefing all incidents per DYS policy.
• Reinforce safe practices and maintain a non‑violent environment.
• Monitor movement of youth, escort, and transport to activities or appointments internally or externally.
• Conduct searches (pat, personal, full) in accordance with policy and the juvenile’s stated preference, documenting and seizing contraband when appropriate.
• Check windows, doors, locks, and grounds to minimize escape risk; assess and document suicidal, medical, escape risk, special needs, and room restrictions.
• Adhere to Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards, monitoring status as noted on Room Check Sheet(s).
• Use effective communication, verbal de‑escalation, and a strength‑based approach when interacting with youth and staff.
• When de‑escalation fails, follow approved physical management policy and protocols.
• Place youth on seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS policy.
• Monitor, support, and enforce behavioral management plans (Behavior Contracts, Agreements, Growth & Change Plans) and medical watches as directed.
• Supervise to prevent sexual contact in the facility, obeying all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

Programing

• Implement and follow the facility Behavioral Management Program with positive engagement.
• Conduct processing and/or psycho‑educational groups as needed.
• Observe, monitor, detect, record, and report problem behaviors.
• Communicate expectations for behavior, events, rules, and other milieu requirements.
• Role‑model prosocial behaviors and use techniques to establish rapport with youth.
• Support restorative community justice principles and activities.
• Support DYS Strategic Plan initiatives relating to juvenile programming, routines, and crisis intervention.
• Objectively monitor, record, and intervene on youth behaviors according to program standards.
• Manage adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities, ensuring compliance with Safety Plans and individual growth plans.
• Recommend program modifications to supervisory and clinical staff.
• Facilitate and monitor pod cleanup, inspect rooms per schedule.
• Ensure juvenile hygiene by managing linen and clothing distribution.
• Provide confidential access to grievances, medical and mental health assistance without staff interference.
• Support youth in meeting presenting needs and addressing concerns.
• Uphold basic rights of juveniles as per prevalent law or policy.
• Ensure recreation, orientation, and educational support per standard schedules.

Documentation / Recording and Reporting

• Document juvenile behavior observations and responses to programs.
• Record facility and youth searches, unit activities, SPM/SMP status, and medical watch information.
• Complete Incident Reports, Traffic reports, and other required forms.
• Notify and complete all incident report forms related to seclusion and behavioral transgressions.
• Report facility deficiencies or safety concerns.
• Document meal distribution and medication receipt/release.
• Maintain accurate youth room…