Youth Services Worker

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will work with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs.

To succeed in this position you need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able-bodied, professional, and respectful. You must communicate clearly, honestly, and openly. We also offer a variety of benefits, including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, cafeteria plans, retirement, and more. Join us and help make a difference for our youth today.

The current rate for this position is $1,770.90 - $1,953.62 semi‑monthly. Individuals selected may receive a higher rate based on pay differential (e.g., shift or time‑of‑service).

This position is responsible for providing treatment services and ensuring safety and security to youth in the care and custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Employees will facilitate treatment programming to youth (e.g., youth advocate, group facilitation, creation and delivery of treatment activities, etc.).

• Provide awareness supervision to youth, with responsibility for their personal conduct, care, and therapy.
• Monitor activity, behavior, and movement of youth both within a residential/day treatment setting or while escorting youth off‑grounds; performing physical counts as necessary.
• Maintain security, including intervention and/or participation fully in physical restraints of youth during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control.
• Supervise youth in residential/day treatment facilities during work activities, recreational and religious activities; conduct inspections for health and safety hazards.
• Assist youth with their personal issues and refer issues to the group in accordance with program principles.
• Observe and keep staff informed daily of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual and/or the group.
• Implement group and individual treatment plans.
• Maintain professional boundaries, modeling a reasonable, respectful, and professional demeanor at all times. Interact positively with youth, families, co‑workers, management, and the public.
• Prepare reports regarding each client’s adjustment and progress; maintain youth records.
• Dispense medications to youth. Intervene in youth medical emergencies, including performing first‑aid interventions such as CPR.
• Transport and escort youth in everyday and emergency situations.
• Work shifts and attend mandatory meetings during evening, overnight, or daytime hours as assigned. Report all hours worked and absences accurately and in accordance with attendance policies and facility guidelines. Log work time daily and submit timesheets to supervisor as directed.
• Assist in the educational program.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Knowledge of child development and the role of the family.

Knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and current methods of youth treatment.

Ability to work with youth and family members.

Ability to foster cooperation of youth in the treatment process.

Ability to physically respond appropriately to work situations or emergencies.

Ability to learn verbal and physical crisis intervention/de‑escalation techniques and emergency treatment procedures.

Ability to transport youth and travel as necessary.

Sixty or more earned credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of six earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following:
Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work.

OR 2‑4 years of relevant experience.

Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis, up to a maximum of three years of the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours per year.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis to deny consideration to any applicant.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck.

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying .gov, please contact courtney.a.hall.gov or call 573‑526‑0416. If you have questions about this position please contact hrc.gov. All are encouraged to apply as locations may continue to become available.