Youth Specialist-Female male​/female

Position Summary

Jackson County is in search of YOUTH SPECIALISTS for the juvenile detention center located in Jackson, Michigan. Successful candidates will be compassionate but stern, have the emotional intelligence to deescalate conflict and combative situations, and demonstrate positive leadership at all times.

“ON-CALL” SCHEDULING; HOURS VARIABLE UP TO 19 HOURS PER WEEK. Not eligible for benefits.

Candidates must be flexible with scheduling and available weekdays for transporting juveniles during the day. Regular medical transports on Tuesdays and Fridays should be expected. Shift work may be scheduled.

Opportunity for transition to part-time/full-time employment possible but not guaranteed.

Provides for the safety and security for residents, visitors, and staff within the facility. Supervises, guides, and counsels residents through daily activities within the framework of the residential, educational, and treatment programs.

• Education:
  
  Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2 years of work experience in a facility or child‑caring institution, or have completed 30 semester hours of college or equivalent quarter hours. Associate’s Degree or equivalent in human services or closely related field preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of one year of experience dealing with delinquent or emotionally troubled youths and/or families, which may have been in an intern or volunteer capacity.
• Other Requirements:
  Must be able to perform work in a highly stressful environment, exude a calm demeanor, handle, mitigate, and deescalate volatile situations. Regularly required to deal with highly volatile and angry individuals (yelling, cursing, verbal confrontations, threats, etc.). Valid Michigan Driver’s License.
• Must be certified or be able to become certified in CPR, AED, and first aid. Must be certified in an approved physical management system or be willing to become certified.

• Driving to various sites to transport youths.
• Ability to move desks, beds and other furniture to conduct security checks.
• Ability to step up on elevated surfaces, such as beds or stools, to conduct room searches.
• Reach, bend, and stoop to perform security checks, housekeeping, and other tasks.
• Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.
• Ability to physically restrain youths.
• Hearing ability to use auditory monitoring systems.
• Lift and carry containers for meals, laundry bags, and other items weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Visual acuity sufficient to monitor control cameras and security panels, distinguish colors on the control panel, and provide other forms of resident supervision.