Youth Specialist

Macomb County offers medical, dental and vision coverage with no monthly premium for employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

$48,083.75 - $62,192.32

Juvenile Justice Center

06/09/2026

06/24/2026 12:00 a.m.

Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

Just cause subject to probationary period

Full-time (40 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position varies based upon days, afternoons or midnights shifts.

Provides care, safety and security of residents at the Juvenile Justice Center. Assists in the implementation of programs and work assignments. Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.

• Assists in the implementation of programs designated by the Director.
• Ensures that assigned residents are appropriately dressed, fed and that all work assignments are completed in a timely manner.
• Controls or physically manages residents engaged in violent or disruptive behavior that weigh in excess of one hundred (100) pounds.
• Oversees, referees, demonstrates and supervises various activities, including recreational activities and work assignments.
• Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.
• Enters case information into a computerized software system and generates reports as directed.
• Works mandatory overtime as directed.
• May transport residents to various locations for services.
• Operates an automobile to perform job functions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test (GED).

• An Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Previous experience working with adolescent youth.

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel.

• Human behavior
• Individual differences of ability, personality and differences
• Potential behavior problems of children
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word
• Principles and processes for providing customer service

• Active listening
• Critical thinking
• Judgment and decision making
• Social perceptiveness
• Service orientation

• Provide direction to residents in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Communicate clearly.
• Resolve conflict between residents.
• Recognize and anticipate behavior and potential problems within the unit.
• Assist children with daily living and recreational activities and to effectively role‑model, teach, and counsel children to encourage appropriate behavior while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign.
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language.
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions.
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information.
• Work independently.

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Office or similar indoor environment:
  Frequently/Continuously
• Outdoor environment:
  Occasionally
• Street environment (near moving traffic):
  Never/Seldom
• Construction site:
  Never/Seldom
• Confined space:
  Never/Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate:
  Frequently/Continuously
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds:
  Frequently/Continuously
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees):
  Never/Seldom
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees):
  Never/Seldom
• Communicable diseases:
  Occasionally
• Moving mechanical parts:
  Never/Seldom
• Fumes or airborne particles:
  Never/Seldom
• Toxic or caustic chemicals,…