Youth Services Supervisor; Youth Group Leader

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs. To succeed in this position you will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able‑bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly.

The current rate for this position is $2,262.37 semi‑monthly. Individuals selected may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift or time‑of‑service pay).

This is professional and supervisory work in a treatment program for youth committed to the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services. The role assumes responsibility, together with staff, for the safety, personal conduct, care, and therapy of the youth in a group, implements group and individual treatment plans, maintains security in buildings, grounds, and other posts, and intervenes during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth.

• Assume a leadership role in directing, developing, monitoring and maintaining quality treatment services; provide direct supervision to the Youth Services Workers.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff members of the treatment teams; assist in training and career development activities, including counseling, appraisals, discipline and scheduling.
• Conduct and participate in team, leadership and performance meetings in accordance with policy/procedure; lead weekly youth group meetings.
• Serve as the “group leader” in guiding the group interaction process. Interact critically and constructively with staff members to develop and implement successful treatment techniques.
• Assist in the oversight of an outdoor program, instruct youth in outdoor skills, and evaluate the application of such skills in scheduled activities.
• Communicate with court and community‑based staff regarding each youth’s progress, placement plans, and family issues; prepare reports regarding youth progress, adjustments and related matters.
• Provide awareness supervision to youth, with responsibility for their safety, personal conduct, care, education and therapy.
• Intervene in youth medical emergencies, including first‑aid interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Maintain security, including intervention or full participation in physical restraints of youth during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes.
• Keep staff informed of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual or the group.
• Work a variety of shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime; maintain regular attendance and respond to crisis situations.
• Transport and escort youth in everyday and emergency situations.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

One or more years of experience as a higher level Youth Services Worker (Youth Specialist II) with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System and possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency.

OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work, and one or more years of professional experience in the treatment of juveniles involving group or individual counseling techniques.

OR A bachelor’s degree and 1‑3 years of youth treatment experience and/or relevant certification. (Substitutions may be allowed).

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid driver’s license at all times. (24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for the required experience. Work experience in a residential treatment program involving casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, and/or social work for youth 12‑17 years of age may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis for the required degree.)

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.