Youth Security Specialist - Grand Mesa YSC - Grand Junction

Job Summary

Position:
Youth Security Officer

Location:

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

Department:
Division of Youth Services

Work Situation:
Full-time/Part-time; shift work with evenings, nights, weekends, holidays; may require overtime.

• Provide safety, security, and direct supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth.
• Supervise daily activities and youth programs, apply behavioral management plans, intervene in crisis situations, use physical response/restraint when needed, debrief incidents, conduct searches.
• Implement Youth Center behavioral management program, teach, coach, redirect youth; support DYS initiatives.
• Document observations, activities, and required information in logs and databases.
• Demonstrate organizational accountability by adhering to values, code of conduct, and policies, promoting a trauma‑responsive environment.
• Complete required training (Pre‑Service Academy, Youth Center training, orientation). Maintain ongoing training.
• Participate in additional duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED.

Must be 21 or older, no felony convictions or history of domestic violence, possess a valid CO driver’s license, and be willing to intervene with assaultive youth.

• College education in behavioral health or juvenile justice.
• Experience with adjudicated and/or secure residential facilities or behavioral health settings.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups and working with youth who have trauma backgrounds.
• Experience in positive leadership roles such as mentoring or coaching.
• Experience using 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.
• Self‑control, composure, and ability to manage stress.
• Clear verbal communication and respectful interaction.
• Ability to identify and report hazards, security breaches, or inappropriate activity.
• Ability to document events accurately and concisely.

Shift work hours include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; shifts may be 8, 10, or 12 hours. Mandatory overtime may be required. Employees are typically on feet; must climb stairs and be physically able to intervene.

• Full background checks (CBI, ICON, Medicare fraud, etc.).
• Valid, unrestricted Colorado driver’s license.
• Required vaccinations, including flu and other state‑mandated vaccines.
• Mandatory completion of Pre‑Service Training, Field Training Program, and annual training.
• Appended:
  The DYS “Diana Screen” sexual risk screening tool is required.
• Policy on appeal:
  Eligible for appeal with State Personnel Board or review by State Personnel Director within 10 days.

• Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 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, vacation, and sick leave.
• Benefit Hub state employee discount program.
• Employee Wellness program (Motivate Me).
• Work‑life programs, flexible schedules, training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility for qualifying positions.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities.