Youth Services Specialist - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center in Brighton

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

These vacancies may fill day, swing, and night shift positions.

Position:
Direct Care – Essential role providing direct supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities.

Direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. Duties include safety/security, youth center programming, documentation, reporting, training, and organizational accountability. Overtime may be required on a rotating basis.

• Safety/Security:
  Provide direct care, safety and supervision. Monitor behavioral management plans; conduct crisis interventions, de‑escalation, and use physical response/restraint when necessary. Debrief incidents and conduct searches.
• Youth Center Programming:
  Implement the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, coach and redirect youth. Support DYS initiatives and crisis intervention.
• Documentation/Recording and Reporting:
  Record observations and unit activities; maintain logs in required systems.
• Organizational Accountability:
  Promote a positive cultural climate, adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS compliance standards, and CDHS/DYS policies.

Complete DYS Pre‑Service training academy, Youth Center training, orientation, and all required online training. Training includes problem‑solving, relationship building, skills teaching, and understanding trauma and high‑risk behavior.

Additional duties may be assigned. All documentation required for evaluation must be provided on time.

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Physical ability to work on feet, climb stairs, and physically intervene with assaultive youth.

• College education in behavioral health, juvenile justice, or related field.
• Experience with adjudicated or detained youth in a secure facility or behavioral health setting.
• Experience facilitating psycho‑educational groups and working with adolescents affected by trauma.
• Experience in positive youth leadership roles such as mentoring or coaching.
• Verbal de‑escalation and motivational skills.
• State service experience.

• Conflict management.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making.
• Self‑control, composure, and stress‑management.
• Clear and respectful verbal communication.
• Identification of potential hazards or security breaches.
• Accurate written reporting.

Shifts include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift length may vary from 8 to 12 hours. Overtime may be required. Must report continuously during inclement weather.

• Background checks: CDHS direct contact; motor vehicle for driving roles.
• Minimum age 21.
• No felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Must undergo DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, field training, and mandatory annual training.
• Flu and other state‑mandatory vaccinations required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities.