Youth Center Rights Coordinator; CYSO III - Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

Job Overview

Physical

Job location:

Grand Mesa Youth Services, 360 28 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements.
Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development. The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma‑responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non‑violent interactions.

DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre‑adjudicated, sentenced, or committed.

For pre‑adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum; a State‑funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State. There are many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.

This position serves as a Youth Center Rights Coordinator. The purpose of the position is to ensure that youth rights are upheld and that all youth are treated with dignity, respect, fairness, and equity. The position ensures compliance with nondiscrimination policies and manages grievances related to discrimination. The position manages complaints, develops policies and provides training to the staff related to youth rights.

This position supports the administration with reporting and leads by example an inclusive work environment based on DYS policies and Youth Rights, ensuring every youth receives the best care and their rights are respected. This position partners with administration and first line supervisors to ensure staff is educated and follows DYS policies related to Youth Rights.

• Review videos involving physical response, abuse allegations, and youth grievances (if applicable). Additional reviews as required by the Youth Center Administration.
• Collect, review, and respond to youth grievances in accordance with DYS Policy 13.2 Grievance Procedures. Log grievances on the tracking form and submit monthly data to Administration. Submit the form to the Youth Center Administration by the 3rd of each month for the previous month’s data tracking.
• Oversee and deliver Youth Center training related to PREA, Youth Rights, and other training relevant to youth rights.
• Collaborate with the Youth Center PREA Compliance Manager to gather information and data for internal investigations.
• Serve as the Youth Center Volunteer Coordinator, ensuring compliance with DYS Policy 20.2 Volunteers.
• Facilitate monthly student council meetings, record meeting notes, and report outcomes to Youth Center Administration.
• Facilitate youth and staff restorative processes following investigations or allegations, following DYS Policy 3.14 Personnel Actions Related to Child Abuse.
• Participate in all CRT (Critical Response Team) activities for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, ensuring compliance with DYS Policy 13.9.
• Assist Youth Center Administration with data collection for CPO requests.
• Ensure compliance with CDHS Policy 2.14 HIPAA Privacy, 2.19 Sensitive and Confidential Information, 2.27 Internal Investigations, and ensure absolute confidentiality in all matters.

• Ensure all basic rights and needs of youth are satisfied and that dignity and respect are…