State of Colorado
Youth Services Specialist I -Gilliam Youth Services Center - Denver
State of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (full time and part time).
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
Physical Job location:
Gilliam Youth Services Center
2844 North Downing St.
Denver, CO 80205
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. The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma-responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non-violent interactions.
DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum; a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State. We have many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at:
https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Description of Job WE WANT TO HIRE YOU IF:
You have a passion for youth and a desire to improve your community
You love learning new skills and teaching them to others
You desire a job that teaches you what safe supervision is all about – physical, social, psychological, and moral
You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork
About the position.
This position is a direct care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. Specific duties and expectations are: Safety/Security, Youth Center Programming, Documentation/Recording and Reporting, Training, and Organizational Accountability. Positions may be required to work overtime on a rotating basis, based on business needs.
Duties Include but are not limited to the following
Safety/Security.
Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Monitor, participate, support, and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans). Duties include supervision of youth or group of youth, supervision of daily activities, youth orientation, intervention in crisis situations, non-escalation, de-escalation, use of physical response/restraint in emergency situations, debriefing of all incidents, and conducting searches.
Youth Center Programming.
Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, teach, coach, and redirect youth within the program. Support DYS initiatives and strategies as they relate to youth programming and crisis intervention.
Documentation/Recording and Reporting.
Document observations of youth behavior and response to program(s) and document all unit activities and required information in appropriate logs and records systems. Document all youth group activities in appropriate database systems.
Organizational Accountability.
Through all communications and behaviors demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive, and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center by adhering to our organizational values of Nonviolence, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, Growth and Change, Social Learning, Democracy, and Emotional Intelligence. Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and CDHS and DYS policies. Success will come through the development of healthy, positive relationships supported by creating a trauma responsive environment.
Training.
Complete DYS Pre-Service training academy, Youth Center training, and orientation process as a new employee. Some travel may be required. Complete all assigned online training, and maintain and support the Division’s prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies. Training will help you learn problem-solving, the development of relationships with youth grounded in solid boundaries, how to teach skills to youth to decrease further risk and need, and a better understanding of trauma, behavioral health, and high-risk behavior.
Other Duties as Assigned.
Please read the entire job announcement and follow all of the instructions prior to completing the application. You must provide documentation to be given credit for it. There will be no exceptions on timelines to provide documentation. All documentation must be uploaded.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).
Substitutions:
None
These positions are not sedentary positions. Employees are typically on their feet during the entire shift. Youth living quarters are located on multiple levels and employees must frequently climb stairs in the performance of job duties. Please take into account your physical ability in relation to the essential job duties when applying for job. They are also willing and able to physically intervene with assaultive youth.
Preferred Qualifications
College education in a behavioral health and or juvenile justice related field.
Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure residential facility and/or a behavioral health setting;
Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; Education/experience working with adolescents who have trauma;
Experience working with youth in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching.
Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.
Relevant years of state service experience.
Highly Desirable Competencies
Skilled in conflict management.
Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
Sound judgment and decision making skills.
Self control, composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.
Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully.
Ability to identify and act on changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
Ability to study information and recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible method.
Work Environment Employees are required to work shift hours. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary between agencies and may include eight, ten, or twelve hours in duration. Mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is not usually available. As a Correctional Youth Security Officer, your position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather.
Conditions of Employment
Full Background checks and employment verifications are required, including checks and screenings listed in the description.
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License.
Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts
Travel – Transportation of youth in state vehicles, travel to trainings and/or alternate work sites.
Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
Flu and other state-mandatory vaccinations are required.
Former state employees with disciplinary terminations or resignations must disclose and may be disqualified; other terms apply as described in the announcement.
The Diana Screen® is administered to all applicants for positions of trust with children and may be used in the selection process.
Appeal Rights If you are eliminated from consideration, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. Details are provided in the official notice.
How to Apply For additional recruiting questions, please contact brennon.watts@state.co.us.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). We offer a comprehensive benefits package and values described in our mission and our core commitments.
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA plan
Medical and dental health plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Employee wellness programs and discounts
Flexible work options where eligible
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach, balance, accountability, transparency, ethics, and collaboration.
ADA Accommodations:
CDHS is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations during the application process and employment where feasible. For accommodations, contact the ADA coordinator.
THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support information is provided to assist applicants as needed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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. The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma-responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non-violent interactions.
DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum; a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State. We have many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at:
https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Description of Job WE WANT TO HIRE YOU IF:
You have a passion for youth and a desire to improve your community
You love learning new skills and teaching them to others
You desire a job that teaches you what safe supervision is all about – physical, social, psychological, and moral
You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork
About the position.
This position is a direct care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. Specific duties and expectations are: Safety/Security, Youth Center Programming, Documentation/Recording and Reporting, Training, and Organizational Accountability. Positions may be required to work overtime on a rotating basis, based on business needs.
Duties Include but are not limited to the following
Safety/Security.
Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Monitor, participate, support, and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans). Duties include supervision of youth or group of youth, supervision of daily activities, youth orientation, intervention in crisis situations, non-escalation, de-escalation, use of physical response/restraint in emergency situations, debriefing of all incidents, and conducting searches.
Youth Center Programming.
Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program, teach, coach, and redirect youth within the program. Support DYS initiatives and strategies as they relate to youth programming and crisis intervention.
Documentation/Recording and Reporting.
Document observations of youth behavior and response to program(s) and document all unit activities and required information in appropriate logs and records systems. Document all youth group activities in appropriate database systems.
Organizational Accountability.
Through all communications and behaviors demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive, and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center by adhering to our organizational values of Nonviolence, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, Growth and Change, Social Learning, Democracy, and Emotional Intelligence. Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and CDHS and DYS policies. Success will come through the development of healthy, positive relationships supported by creating a trauma responsive environment.
Training.
Complete DYS Pre-Service training academy, Youth Center training, and orientation process as a new employee. Some travel may be required. Complete all assigned online training, and maintain and support the Division’s prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies. Training will help you learn problem-solving, the development of relationships with youth grounded in solid boundaries, how to teach skills to youth to decrease further risk and need, and a better understanding of trauma, behavioral health, and high-risk behavior.
Other Duties as Assigned.
Please read the entire job announcement and follow all of the instructions prior to completing the application. You must provide documentation to be given credit for it. There will be no exceptions on timelines to provide documentation. All documentation must be uploaded.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).
Substitutions:
None
These positions are not sedentary positions. Employees are typically on their feet during the entire shift. Youth living quarters are located on multiple levels and employees must frequently climb stairs in the performance of job duties. Please take into account your physical ability in relation to the essential job duties when applying for job. They are also willing and able to physically intervene with assaultive youth.
Preferred Qualifications
College education in a behavioral health and or juvenile justice related field.
Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure residential facility and/or a behavioral health setting;
Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; Education/experience working with adolescents who have trauma;
Experience working with youth in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching.
Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.
Relevant years of state service experience.
Highly Desirable Competencies
Skilled in conflict management.
Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
Sound judgment and decision making skills.
Self control, composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.
Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully.
Ability to identify and act on changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
Ability to study information and recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible method.
Work Environment Employees are required to work shift hours. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary between agencies and may include eight, ten, or twelve hours in duration. Mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is not usually available. As a Correctional Youth Security Officer, your position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather.
Conditions of Employment
Full Background checks and employment verifications are required, including checks and screenings listed in the description.
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License.
Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts
Travel – Transportation of youth in state vehicles, travel to trainings and/or alternate work sites.
Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
Flu and other state-mandatory vaccinations are required.
Former state employees with disciplinary terminations or resignations must disclose and may be disqualified; other terms apply as described in the announcement.
The Diana Screen® is administered to all applicants for positions of trust with children and may be used in the selection process.
Appeal Rights If you are eliminated from consideration, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. Details are provided in the official notice.
How to Apply For additional recruiting questions, please contact brennon.watts@state.co.us.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). We offer a comprehensive benefits package and values described in our mission and our core commitments.
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA plan
Medical and dental health plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Employee wellness programs and discounts
Flexible work options where eligible
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach, balance, accountability, transparency, ethics, and collaboration.
ADA Accommodations:
CDHS is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations during the application process and employment where feasible. For accommodations, contact the ADA coordinator.
THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support information is provided to assist applicants as needed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr