Correctional Youth Services Specialist - Platte Valley Youth SC- Greeley

Department Information

We are only accepting applications from Colorado residents.

This recruitment may fill multiple vacancies (part time & full time) at the location below.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package – see Supplemental Information for details.

Platte Valley Youth Services Center
2200 O St.
Greeley, CO 80631

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. DYS operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth aged 10‑21 and also administers juvenile parole services statewide.

This position may fill day, night and swing shifts.

• Front End Day Shift: Sunday‑Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays 6:00‑6:30 pm
• Front End Swing Shift: Sunday‑Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays 10:00‑10:30 pm
• Front End Evening Shift: Sunday‑Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays 6:00‑6:30 am
• Back End Day Shift: Thursday‑Saturday and alternating Wednesdays 6:00‑6:30 pm
• Back End Swing Shift: Thursday‑Saturday and alternating Wednesday 10:00‑10:30 pm
• Back End Evening Shift: Thursday‑Saturday and alternating Wednesday 6:00‑6:30 am

These working arrangements are subject to change.

• You have a passion for youth and a desire to improve your community
• You love learning new skills and teaching them to others
• You desire a job that teaches you what safe supervision is all about – physical, social, psychological, and moral
• You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork

This direct-care/essential role provides direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS state‑operated secure facilities. Specific duties and expectations include safety/security, youth center programming, documentation/recording, training, and organizational accountability. Positions may require overtime on a rotating basis.

Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Monitor and enforce behavioral management plans (e.g., Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans). Supervise youth or groups, daily activities, orientation, crisis intervention, non‑escalation, de‑escalation, use of physical response/restraint in emergencies, debriefing, and searches.

Implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, coach and redirect youth. Support DYS initiatives and strategies related to programming and crisis intervention.

Document observations of youth behavior, response to program, and all unit activities in appropriate logs, records systems, and databases.

Demonstrate and support a healthy, positive, respectful cultural climate. Adhere to Nonviolence, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, Growth and Change, Social Learning, Democracy, and Emotional Intelligence. Follow CDHS Code of Conduct and DYS compliance standards.

Complete DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Youth Center training, and orientation. Complete assigned online training and support prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies.

• High school diploma or general education diploma (GED) – no substitutions.
• Physically able to be on feet during entire shift and climb stairs as required.
• Willing and able to physically intervene with assaultive youth.

• College education in behavioral health or juvenile justice-related field.
• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth in a secure residential facility.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups.
• Experience working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience in positive leadership roles such as mentoring and coaching.
• Experience utilizing verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

• Conflict…