Correctional Youth Security Officer II - Pueblo Youth Service Center

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at this location for different shifts

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. 

 Physical Job location: 

1406 West 17th St Pueblo, CO 81003

 Shifts are Saturday-Friday 6a-2p, 2p-10p, 10p-6a 

Varied Days Off

 Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time. 

About the position: 

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities and aims to maintain safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth, to organize and direct daily living and leisure activities of youth, in accordance with the living unit master schedule, shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction.  The Specialist provides corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure facility program using a trauma responsive approach and is aware of and adheres to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and facility specific procedure.  This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors and functions as a Lead Worker partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs. Duties in this position include:

Safety/Security Lead Duties:

• Ensures staff accountability for quality and quantity of work, and provides coaching, teaching, and mentoring of other employees.  Facilitate FTO Training as assigned

• Role model adherence to DYS Policy and procedures at all time

• Documents performance notes as well as provides input for performance management evaluations

• Provides Shift Briefing and communication of pertinent information as it relates to youth and building needs, living unit areas, special status youth, high-risk youth, behavioral agreements and safety plan

• Reviews and oversee the proper implementation of Juvenile Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) screening, Growth and Change Plans, Seclusion, Behavior Agreements and Safety Plans

• Identifies milieu concerns and provides solutions to maintain a non-violent and safe environment.  Coaches, models, and trains staff in the implementation of trauma responsive tools and approach to youth center culture

• Reviews Minor Rule Violations and approves proper interventions.  Ensure youth completes assigned interventions.  Ensure Minor Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Procedure

• Reviews Major Rule Violations and provides constructive feedback to staff writing incident reports.  Ensures Major Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Procedure.  Conducts juvenile Disciplinary Hearings and uphold due process and implementation of Restorative Community Justice (RCJ) and interventions for all youth

• Ensures adherence to all Fire, Safety, and Sanitation standards throughout the facility.  Responds to, and provides solutions and coaching as needed to rectify emergency concerns.
  · Ensures proper administration of medication according to QMAP standards and DYS Policy and Procedures.  Oversee after hours receipt of medication

• Informs or refers juveniles and/or staff for medical care as needed or requested.  Provides notification, follow-up and other required/pertinent documentation.  In the event of a medical emergency, provides medical attention and follow up as necessary

• Assigns staff to post assignments as needed and uphold staffing patterns according to DYS Policy and Staffing Plan

• Participates and/or facilitates required post-incident processes.  Ensures required follow-up as needed.  Evaluates incidents, provides information to minimize assaultive behaviors by action planning and communicating pertinent information to all necessary parties.

• Responds to all codes and assesses/evaluates the situation and provides direction as needed.  Ensures provision of least restrictive alternatives and lowest level interventions

• Ensures PREA Standards are upheld according to DYS Policy 9.19.  This includes proper SAB/VV/VAB assessment or reassessment.  Ensures the initiation and implementation of safety contracts, safety planning and notification to mental health personnel

• Oversees all juvenile transports and assign staff to conduct transports as needed

• Ensures all youth are offered meals

Programming:

•  Actively and with positive engagement, implements and follows the facility Behavioral Management Program 

• Conducts processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning

• Observes, monitors, detects, records and reports problem behaviors

• Communicates expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements 

•  Role model prosocial behaviors for youth

• Uses prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, and communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances

• Supports restorative community justice principles and/or activities

• Supports DYS Strategic Plan and initiatives as they relate to juvenile programming, daily routines and crisis intervention.  

• Objectively and fairly monitors, records youth behaviors, and intervenes according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.

• Manages the adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities.

•  Recognizes, implements, monitors, observes and documents compliance with Safety Plans, Behavior Agreements and Individual Growth and Change Plans) in accordance with the juvenile’s written program.

•  Recommends any modifications of the program to supervisory and/or clinical staff.  Facilitates and monitors cleanup of pod and rooms, inspects, according to daily schedule.  

• Monitors and ensures juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedures.  

• Routinely and equitably distributes linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice.  

• Ensures that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference.  Supports and/or facilitates youth to meet their presenting needs and address or satisfy their concerns.

• Upholds basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy.  

• Supports and ensures that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards

Documentation/Recording and Reporting Lead Duties:

• Reviews of all necessary documentation to ensure adherence to DYS Policy, Procedures, and Audit Standards
• Documents all youth movements, needs, concerns, crisis interventions, and juvenile status per DYS Policy and Procedure
• Reviews admission files, including youth room classification and Columbia Assessment results ensuring room assignment coincides with individualized youth classification
• Reviews youth on NDR status as per DYS Policy to assure compliance
• Reviews and ensures all meal tracking sheets are completed accurately

Organizational Accountability:

• Through all communications and behaviors employee demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center

• Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner; communicating with respect and dignity. 

• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct and Sanctuary 7 Commitments and support the 5 Key Strategies 

• Be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Compliance Review Standards

• Adheres to CDHS and DYS Policy regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices

• As a Work Lead, role-models, coaches, teaches and enforces staff adherence to all the above

Training:

• Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training

• Maintain physical ability to demonstrate required skills 

• Maintain required certifications as appropriate 

• Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill. Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy. Successfully completes DYS Pre-Service, Youth Center Training and Orientation process as a new employee 

• Complete all assigned online training in Cornerstone. Maintain and support the Division’s prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies

• As a lead ensure training standards are met and/or provides professional development of CYSOIs.    Facilitates and/or co-facilitates team meetings, as needed

• Completes other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous state experience 

• Previous experience in law enforcement or military

• Safety and security experience

• Programming and document reporting 

• Full Background.  CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers).
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Shift Work - subject to assigned Shift
• Travel - Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check 
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License 
• 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.
• The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority.   The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether a candidate is selected.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  • Disclose that information on the application.
  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

How to Apply

            Need help with your application? Click here.

The Assessment Process

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA 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

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

• CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

• This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

• We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

• Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

• If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.