Juvenile Probation Department Youth Development Coach; Grant-Funded

Job Summary

The Youth Development Coach (YDC) is responsible for the direct supervision of youth within the Challenge Academy. The incumbent plans, implements, supervises, and evaluates youth activities, providing trauma‑informed support, experiential activities, and coaching to develop problem‑solving skills and interrupt cycles of negative behavior.

• Maintain daily focus on the department’s values when interacting with youth, emphasizing developmental assets, relationships, motivational interviewing, and Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI).
• Provide structure through individual and group coaching, enforce rules, redirect behavior, model positive behaviors, and engage youth in prosocial activities and mentoring.
• Plan and implement educational, recreational, vocational, life‑skills, fitness, health, character, and leadership programs within the secure residential facility or community locations.
• Coordinate staff training, mentoring, morale‑building activities, and recreational/skills‑building activities with youth to foster collaboration and problem‑solving skills.
• Use de‑escalation techniques and approved mechanical/physical restraints when necessary.
• Develop and maintain a positive learning environment through experiential, leadership, and team‑building activities.
• Facilitate parent and team consultations to improve youth behavior.
• Administer program and service plans that support clinical services, rehabilitation, and positive social behaviors.
• Substitute during temporary absences to maintain normal operations.
• Commit to providing excellent customer service through teamwork and individual effort.
• Create a high‑quality work culture by emphasizing training, mentoring, and safety skills.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team assessments and home pass/furlough staffing.
• Conduct home visits for youth on home passes or furloughs during weekends and other assigned times.
• Attend annual departmental urinalysis training and administer drug tests.
• Record daily interactions, case‑management activities, and communications in the Juvenile Management System.
• Perform community transport to venues as required by transportation policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Be available for non‑traditional hours and on‑call duty as necessary.
• Maintain a safe and healthy workplace; travel may be required on short notice.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, law enforcement, criminal justice, counseling, social work, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Age:
  At least 21 years old.
• Bilingual ability preferred.
• Certificates and Licenses:
  • Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
  • Proof of automobile liability insurance coverage.
  • Certification as a Juvenile Supervision Officer by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
  • Completion of required training (Handle with Care or other restraint technique adopted by the Department).
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Understanding of developmentally appropriate social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills for youth.
  • Familiarity with Department and Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards and evidence‑based treatment modalities.
  • Effective interpersonal communication, crisis intervention, and non‑violent restraint techniques.
  • Leadership and team‑building skills; ability to motivate and inspire youth and staff.
  • Experience working in secure residential settings with locked doors.
  • Psychology, counseling, or related experience working with justice‑involved youth and families.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other office equipment.
• Professional skills and attributes:
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment.
  • Strong customer service orientation and confidentiality.
  • Positive support of the Department and partner organizations.
  • Commitment to customer‑service excellence.
• Physical requirements:
  • Ability to lift or carry up to 30 pounds.
  • Occasional standing and sitting for long periods of time.
  • Capability to exercise control of violent or aggressive behavior.
• Working environment:
  • Secure correctional facility with locked steel doors.
  • Exposure to outside weather…