Youth Security Specialist - Grand Mesa YSC - Grand Junction

Youth Security Specialist I - Grand Mesa YSC - Grand Junction

State of Colorado

Location: Grand Mesa Youth Service Center, 360 28 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services for youth ages 10‑21, including juvenile detention, commitment, parole, and community supervision. DYS operates fifteen secure facilities and oversees a range of private service providers throughout Colorado.

This direct‑care/essential role provides engaging supervision of youth in DYS State‑Operated Secure Facilities. Key duties include safety and security, youth center programming, documentation, training, and organizational accountability. Overtime may be required on a rotating basis.

• Safety/Security: Provide direct care, safety, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth in a secure setting; enforce behavioral management plans; conduct searches and debrief incidents; apply physical response/restraint when necessary.
• Youth Center Programming: Implement the Youth Center’s behavioral management program; teach, coach, and redirect youth; support DYS initiatives and crisis intervention.
• Documentation/Recording and Reporting: Record observations of youth behavior; maintain logs and database entries for unit activities and group sessions.
• Organizational Accountability: Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and adherence to DYS values such as Nonviolence, Open Communication, and Emotional Intelligence; uphold CDHS Code of Conduct and DYS policies.
• Training: Complete DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Youth Center training, orientation, and ongoing online training; support prevailing behavior‑management strategies.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Minimum: High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Preferred: College education in behavioral health or juvenile justice; experience with adjudicated/detained youth; experience facilitating psycho‑educational groups; knowledge of trauma; mentoring or coaching roles; de‑escalation skills; state service experience.

• Conflict management skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making.
• Self‑control and composure in stressful situations.
• Clear verbal communication and respect.
• Ability to identify and report security breaches.
• Ability to record events accurately and concisely.

• Shift work: evenings, nights, weekends, holidays; shift lengths 8‑12 hours.
• Travel may be required for training or alternate sites.
• Full background screening and special security checks.
• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license.
• Must be age 21+ and have no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Vaccination requirements and successful completion of mandatory training are required for continued employment.

If eliminated from consideration, applicants may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review from the State Personnel Director.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

CDHS is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. Please direct accommodation requests to or call 1‑800‑929‑0791.