Youth Center Rights Coordinator; CYSO III - Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

Department Information

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development. DYS operates 15 secure facilities and also administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

Location:

Grand Mesa Youth Services, 360 28 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

• Review videos involving physical response, abuse allegations, and youth grievances.
• Collect, review, and respond to youth grievances in accordance with DYS Policy 13.2 Grievance Procedures, log grievances, and submit monthly data.
• Oversee and deliver Youth Center training related to PREA, Youth Rights, and other related topics.
• Collaborate with the Youth Center PREA Compliance Manager to gather information for internal investigations.
• Serve as the Youth Center Volunteer Coordinator, ensuring compliance with DYS Policy 20.2 Volunteers.
• Facilitate monthly student council meetings, record notes, and report outcomes.
• Facilitate youth and staff restorative processes following investigations or allegations, following DYS Policy 3.14.
• Participate in all CRT activities for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, ensuring compliance with DYS Policy 13.9.
• Assist Youth Center Administration with data collection for CPO requests.
• Ensure compliance with CDHS Policy 2.14 HIPAA Privacy, 2.19 Sensitive and Confidential Information, 2.27 Internal Investigations, and maintain confidentiality.

• Ensure all basic rights and needs of youth are satisfied and dignity shown.
• Review Minor Rule Violations and approve interventions.
• Ensure youth complete assigned interventions.
• Ensure Minor and Major Rule Violations align with prevailing DYS Policy.
• Conduct Major Rule Violation Hearings and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Uphold due process and implement Restorative Community Justice and interventions.
• Respond to and resolve youth grievances.
• Serve as primary youth grievance officer.
• Oversee youth center programming and ensure compliance with Youth Rights laws.
• Lead and model trauma-responsive tools and interventions.
• Lead and train staff in daily Problem-Solving Groups, Sanctuary Psycho-educational Groups, and other skill-based groups.
• Monitor safety and security of volunteer/contractor activities and vocational programming.
• Maintain positive relationships with teachers and administration.

• Oversee accurate documentation of all daily Youth Center operations, including policies and QAYS standards.
• Ensure completion of documentation for searches and unit activities.
• Ensure proper documentation of SPM, Individual and Group Growth and Change Plans, NDR status, Seclusion, and Medical Watch.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.

• College education in a behavioral health or juvenile justice‑related field.
• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure residential facility or behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience with mentorship or coaching roles.
• Experience utilizing verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

• Minimum age 21 years, no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Full background check required (name check, fingerprint, court, etc.).
• Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
• Shift work and travel within Colorado authorized.
• Must complete DYS Pre‑service Training Academy and mandatory trainings.
• Must pass Diana Screen sexual risk assessment for positions of trust.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” workforce and provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to protected status.

• Retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit or Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long‑term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Access to State of Colorado Employee Benefit Hub Resource Center.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Work‑life programs, flexible schedules, training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.

Click the button below or log in to NEOGOV to apply. For questions contact Melissa.

L.Lopez