Youth Services Worker

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working 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 will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able‑bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly.

We also offer a variety of great benefits including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, cafeteria plans, and retirement. Join us and help make the difference for our youth today!

Education and pay details:
The current rate for this position is $1,770.90 – $1,953.62 semi‑monthly. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift or time‑of‑service pay).

• 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 in physical restraints of youth during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control.
• Supervise youth in residential/day treatment facilities in the performance of work activities and during 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 the principles of the program. Observe and keep staff informed daily of significant behavioral conditions.
• 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, performing first‑aid interventions such as CPR.
• Transport and escort youth in everyday and emergency situations.
• Work shifts and attend mandatory meetings during evenings, overnight, or daytime hours as assigned by the supervisor and respond to facility emergencies. Report all hours worked and absences accurately and in accordance with attendance policies and facility guidelines. Log work time daily and submit timesheets to the supervisor as directed.
• Assist in the educational program as needed.
• 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 the 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 Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work; OR 2–4 years of relevant experience. (Earned credit hours may substitute for up to three years of experience at a rate of 30 credit hours for one year.)
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Experience and training in safe handling, de‑escalation, first aid, and medication administration.
• Knowledge of Missouri Division of Youth Services policies and procedures.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity:
We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We affirm that we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying .gov, please contact courtney.a.hall.gov or call 573‑526‑0416. For questions about this position, contact hrc.gov.