Youth Services Specialist I - Rocky Mountain Youth Services Center

State of Colorado - Lakewood, CO

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Lakewood, CO

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is dedicated to providing direct care, safety, and security for pre-adjudicated or adjudicated youth in custody, utilizing a trauma-responsive approach. The unit operates 24/7, offering care and supervision in secure residential placements, including various work assignments such as admissions, control, school programming, and long-term treatment living units. DYS seeks professionals who are team players and passionate about helping youth, valuing candidates with perseverance and 'lived experience'.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting.
• Monitor and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth.
• Supervise daily activities and conduct youth orientation.
• Intervene in crisis situations and utilize de-escalation techniques.
• Document observations of youth behavior and unit activities in appropriate logs and records systems.
• Implement and follow the Youth Center's behavioral management program.
• Complete DYS Pre-Service training and maintain required training.
• Demonstrate and contribute to a positive cultural climate throughout the Youth Center.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Ability to physically intervene with assaultive youth.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado driver's license upon hire.
• Pass CBI and FBI background investigations.

Nice-to-haves

• College education in a behavioral health or juvenile justice related field.
• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth in a secure residential facility.
• Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups.
• Experience working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.

Benefits

• Strong retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or 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 per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Employee discount program.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Flexible schedules and training opportunities.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.