Youth Program Specialist

About the Position

Youth Program Specialist – Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC), Kearney, NE.

Make a real impact as a Youth Program Specialist. You will empower young people to discover strengths, build confidence, and move toward brighter futures. Your work will involve structure, mentorship, and compassion to help youth develop skills for a law‑abiding, successful future.

• Supervise youth during daily routines and activities
• Facilitate life skills training, recreational programming, and therapeutic interactions
• Model positive behavior and maintain professional boundaries
• Document youth behaviors and progress
• Respond to crisis situations while ensuring safety
• Actively support individual growth plans in a team environment
• Occasionally transport youth as needed
• Maintain physical readiness, including walking, standing, occasional lifting, and intervening physically when necessary

Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Coursework or training in social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development, psychology, mental health care, education, social/behavioral sciences, or related area; OR experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing, or other areas involving contact with youth or families. Experience working with youth/adolescents strongly preferred.

This position requires proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking) and a valid driver’s license.

• 156% state‑matched retirement
• 13 paid holidays plus generous leave starting immediately
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer‑paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fun, mission‑driven, supportive team environment
• Job stability in public service

The State of Nebraska values our teammates and promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services Agency 25

Location:

Kearney, NE
Hiring Rate: $27.32/hour plus shift differential for qualifying shifts. Second and third shift available.