Youth Security Specialist - Grand Mesa YSC - Grand Junction

Physical Job Location

Grand Mesa Youth Service Center
360 28 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81501

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency mandated to provide care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth ages 10‑21 who are pre‑adjudicated, sentenced, or committed.

DYS also contracts with private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the State and administers juvenile parole services statewide.

• Safety / Security
  • Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth in a secure setting.
  • Monitor and enforce behavior management plans including Behavioral Contracts and Individual Growth and Change Plans.
  • Supervise daily activities, youth orientation, and intervene in crisis situations using de‑escalation and, when necessary, physical response or restraint.
  • Conduct searches and debrief all incidents.
• Youth Center Programming
  • Implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, teaching and coaching youth within the program.
  • Support DYS initiatives related to youth programming and crisis intervention.
• Documentation / Recording and Reporting
  • Document observations of youth behavior and responses to programs in appropriate logs and record‑keeping systems.
  • Record all unit activities and youth group activities in the required databases.
• Organizational Accountability
  • Demonstrate adherence to the CDHS Code of Conduct and DYS policies.
  • Support a trauma‑responsive environment and foster healthy, positive relationships.
• Training
  • Complete DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Youth Center training, and orientation.
  • Attend all assigned online training and maintain knowledge of behavior management and intervention strategies.
• Other Duties as Assigned – Perform additional responsibilities as directed by supervisors.

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

• College education in 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 facilitating psycho educational groups and working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience mentoring and coaching youth in positive leadership roles.
• Experience with verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

• Conflict management skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Self‑control, composure, and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Clear verbal communication and respectfulness.
• Ability to identify and report changes, hazards, or security breaches.
• Ability to recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible manner.

• Shift work including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; mandatory overtime may apply.
• Required background checks: CBI name check, fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification, drug screen, PREA, trails check, CAPS.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado driver’s license.
• Vaccinations for flu and other state‑mandatory requirements.
• Participation in the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy and Field Training Program.
• Travel to training sites and alternate work locations as needed.
• Undergo the Diana Screening Tool for all applicants.

• Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan; 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Benefit Hub state employee discount program.
• Employee Wellness program Motivate Me.
• Work‑life programs including flexible schedules and training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.

The State of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

CDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with ADA.