Correctional Youth Security Officer II - Rocky Mountain Youth Service Center

Department:
Division of Youth Services (DYS) – Colorado Department of Human Services. Physical job location: 7862 W Mansfield Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80235.

This position is a direct‑care, essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of youth in DYS state‑operated secure facilities. Specific duties and expectations include safety/security, youth center programming, documentation, training, and organizational accountability. Positions may be required to work overtime on a rotating basis.

• Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and pre‑adjudicated youth in a secure setting.
• Monitor, support, and enforce behavioral management plans (e.g., behavioral contracts, growth and change plans).
• Supervise youth or groups, daily activities, youth orientation, and intervene in crisis situations.
• Use physical response/restraint and debrief all incidents; conduct searches.
• Implement and maintain the Youth Center’s behavioral management program; coach and redirect youth.
• Document observations, group activities, and required logs in appropriate systems.
• Demonstrate compliance with CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, policies, and a trauma‑responsive environment.
• Complete required training: DYS Pre‑service Academy, Youth Center Training, orientation, and ongoing online training.

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned.
• Physical ability to stand, climb stairs, and physically intervene with assaultive youth.
• Minimum age 21, valid unrestricted Colorado driver’s license, and no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Successful completion of background checks (CBI, ICON, Medicare fraud, etc.), drug screening, and the Diana Screen® sexual‑risk screening tool.

• College education in behavioral health, juvenile justice, or related field.
• Experience working with adjudicated/detained youth in secure or behavioral health settings.
• Facilitation of psycho‑educational groups.
• Experience with trauma‑informed practice and youth leadership roles.
• Proficiency in verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• State‑service experience, if applicable.

• Conflict management and strong work ethic.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making.
• Self‑control, composure, and stress management.
• Clear verbal communication and respectful interaction.
• Ability to identify hazards, security breaches and report promptly.
• Ability to document events in a factual, concise manner.

Employees work shifts that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; shift lengths vary from 8 to 12 hours. Mandatory overtime may apply. Must be ready to report during inclement weather.

Travel may be required in state vehicles to training or alternate sites. Positions are not sedentary; frequent stair climbing and physical intervention are required.

Applicants eliminated from consideration may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request review by the State Personnel Director. Appeals must be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of notice and follow official appeal procedures as outlined in Colorado Code of Regulations.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals. Accommodations for disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process. Contact ADAAA Coordinator Nancy Schmelzer at  or call 1‑800‑929‑0791.

Begin the online application via the Colorado State careers portal. Additional recruiting questions can be directed to