Youth Specialist - Juvenile Detention Center

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

Annual Salary: $45,808 - $59,768 annual salary.

This position is on-site.

Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of youth who need support, structure, and guidance? As a Youth Specialist I at Oakland County Children’s Village, you will play a vital role in providing care, mentorship, and supervision to at‑risk youth in one of three distinct programs:

• Residential Treatment:
  Helping troubled youth change behavioral patterns through structured care, guidance, and support.
• Secure Detention:
  Supervising youth awaiting court proceedings who may be accused of various offenses, ensuring safety and structure.
• Emergency Shelter Care (Mandy’s Place):
  Providing short‑term placement and stability for youth, from birth to age 17, who are victims of abuse or neglect.

In every setting, you will help residents develop life skills, encourage positive choices, and work as part of a dedicated team focused on growth, safety, and rehabilitation.

• Supervise and guide youth in daily activities, including meals, school, recreation, and personal care.
• Serve as a positive role model, reinforcing respectful and responsible behavior.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment by monitoring living areas, addressing concerns, and enforcing rules consistently.
• Document daily resident behavior and prepare reports to support progress tracking and care decisions.

• You will directly impact the lives of youth, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for a brighter future.
• You will work alongside a passionate, supportive team committed to safety, respect, and positive change.
• No two days are the same. Each shift offers meaningful challenges and rewarding moments.
• You will gain valuable experience in youth services, behavioral intervention, and crisis management.

At Children’s Village, your work truly matters. You’ll be part of a mission‑driven team committed to helping youth thrive, providing not just care, but hope, stability, and opportunity.

Must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test.

Have passed his/her 21st birthday.

Have not been convicted of a felony violation involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out‑of‑Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.

• Must submit to annual periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x‑rays at County expense.
• Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
• Drive designated county-owned vehicle when on duty, unless directed otherwise.
• Must become certified in CPR and maintain certification annually.
• Before beginning employment, candidates will be required to provide Children’s Village with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect.
• Applicants will be asked to sign a form authorizing Children’s Village to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.
• Applicants for positions at Children’s Village will not be considered if they have…