Correctional Youth Security Officer - Marvin W Foote YSC in Centennial

About the Division of Youth Services

The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development.

DYS operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21. The Division also manages the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum and administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

This is a direct‑care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of youth in DYS state‑operated secure facilities. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities include safety and security, youth center programming, documentation/recording, training, and organizational accountability. Positions may require overtime on a rotating basis based on business needs.

• You have a passion for youth and a desire to improve your community
• You enjoy learning new skills and teaching them to others
• You desire a job that teaches you the full scope of safe supervision – physical, social, psychological, and moral
• You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork

• Safety and Security: Provide direct care, supervise youth, monitor and enforce behavioral management plans, intervene in crisis situations, use physical response/restraint when necessary, conduct searches, and debrief incidents.
• Youth Center Programming: Implement the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, coach and redirect youth, and support DYS initiatives related to programming and crisis intervention.
• Documentation, Recording and Reporting: Record observations of youth behavior, document all unit activities and required information in logs and databases, and maintain accurate records of group activities.
• Organizational Accountability: Demonstrate the Division’s values of non‑violence, open communication, social responsibility, growth and change, social learning, democracy, and emotional intelligence; comply with the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and all relevant policies.
• Training: Complete the DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Youth Center training, orientation, and all required online training; maintain proficiency in behavior management and intervention strategies.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Capability to stand for extended periods and climb stairs; willingness to physically intervene with assaultive youth.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, have no felony convictions or history of domestic violence, and possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado driver’s license.
• Compliance with background investigations (CBI, FBI, Diana Screen, etc.) and mandatory vaccinations.

• College education in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice‑related fields.
• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth in a secure residential facility or behavioral health setting.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups and working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience in youth mentoring, coaching, and positive leadership roles.
• Skilled in 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 abilities.
• Self‑control, composure, and stress‑management.
• Clear verbal communication and respectful interaction.
• Ability to identify and act on changes, hazards, or security breaches and communicate relevant information.
• Skill in documenting events in a written, factual, concise, and legible manner.

Employees work shift hours that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts can be 8, 10, or 12 hours long; mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is rarely available.

• Shift work subject to assignment.
• Travel to assigned training and alternate work sites may be required.
• Flu and other…