Youth Services Specialist I - Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center- Colorado Springs

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

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 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.  

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

Our facility operates 24 hours a day across three shifts.

 First shift (06:30–14:30) ; Second shift (14:30–22:30) ; Overnight (22:30–06:30)

Safety/Security:

• Provide the direct care, safety, security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting

• Enforce established security rules and behavioral expectations with a youth or group of youths, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/Youth Center and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations

• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations and employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all youth and staff

• Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy

• Monitor movement of youth on the unit or throughout the agency, escort and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency.  Conduct pat searches, personal searches, and full searches for contraband items in accordance with DYS Policy

• Conduct searches of persons, property, or areas according to schedule or as needed. Identify, document, and seize contraband as directed or appropriate in accordance with DYS policy

•  Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, as well as youth center grounds and perimeter to minimize escape risk and promote safety. Inspect common areas and youth center living units to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards

• Adhere to all Suicide Prevention Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards. Monitor and document SPM status, medical watches or other special observation status youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Implement safety plans and behavior agreements for those youth at high risk of hurting themselves or others or demonstrating other serious behavioral concerns

• Use conflict management and de-escalation skills and, in emergencies, when youth pose a serious, probable, imminent threat to self or others, use approved physical response techniques when all other interventions have failed

• Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, use a strength-based approach, and interact with all youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner  place youth on seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy

• Monitor, participate, support and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans)

• Actively supervise youth to prevent sexual contact and sexual harassment and adhere to all Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Policies and Federal Standards. 

• Adhere to and reinforce established DYS rules, policies, and procedures and utilize proper protocols when responding to critical incidents, physical altercations, medical emergencies, fire drills and other incidents

Youth Center Programming:

•  Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the Youth Center behavioral management program. Teach, coach, and redirect youth within the behavior management program and role model prosocial behavior at all times

• Conduct problem solving, appreciation, pre/post activity groups, psycho-educational groups and individualized skill building as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning and consistent with DYS behavioral expectations

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

•  Provide supervision and support of community transition/reintegration opportunities for youth

• Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances. Support restorative community justice principles and/or activities

• Facilitate psychoeducation, skill development, recreation and other youth groups and activities. Support DYS initiatives and strategies as they relate to Youth programming and crisis intervention

• Objectively and fairly monitor and record youth behaviors, as well as intervene according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences. 

• Follow the daily program schedule based on prevailing standards 

• Support treatment and case plan goals and objectives developed by the Behavioral Health and Medical Services unit. Recognize, implement, monitor, observe and document youth IGCP (Individual Growth and Change Plans in accordance with the written program. Recommend any modifications of program to supervisory and/or clinical staff

• Facilitate and monitor the cleanup of living units and rooms, as well as inspect the youth center, according to daily schedule

•  Monitor and ensure youth hygiene is provided for according to prevailing procedure, make requests to ensure hygienic standards are met, as necessary and see that youth consume all hygienic resources wisely and limit wasteful uses by youth 

•  Routinely and equitably distribute linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice 

• Ensure youth are provided access to meals. Monitor meal provision and consumption in accordance with time standards, document and/or record meals as required. 

• Ensure that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical and behavioral health services as needed/requested 

• Distribute youth medications and document the distribution of medications as specified in DYS Policy, support and respond to youth to meet their presenting needs and address their concerns appropriately

• Uphold basic rights of youth pursuant to prevailing law or policy 

• Support and ensure that youth are provided access to recreation according to prevailing standards, youth physical condition, and daily program schedule 

• Provide orientation for newly admitted youth within 24 hours of admission according to prevailing orientation standards as assigned 

• Provide support to educational programming as requested and assigned

Documentation/Recording and Reporting:

•  Documents observations of youth behavior and response to program(s). Completes documentation of Youth Center and youth searches. Documents all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log

• Records Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) and Individual Growth and Change Plan (IGCP) Status and Medical Watch based on the assigned time intervals or frequency for the specific youth. Completes Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff

• Documents all youth group activities in the TRAILS database 

• Generates and document Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy. Notifies and completes all forms relevant to incident reports. Observes and documents youth behaviors on seclusion status

• All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to State statute

• Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youth’s file (hard copy) and the TRAILS database 

• Inventory and record youth property during admission, any or all releases and any other access or change to that propert

•  Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate, documentation shall include the notification of all internal and external parties

• Generate and record all VINE information in the TRAILS database, unless otherwise directed

• Complete and record accurate youth room classification information pursuant to DYS Policy 

• Notify and communicate all relevant youth information to the receiving unit staff 

• Complete, record and provide all necessary youth information on the Critical Information Advisement form and provide to all receiving parties. 

• Ensure required suicide risk assessments are completed within one hour of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth

• Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions

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

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

• Completes other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous state experience

• Exp with at risk youth or teenagers

• Previous exp in corrections, law enforcement, military

• Previous experience as a mentor role with youth or professionally

•  Strong attention to detail

• Able to problem solve 

• Conflict Resolution experience 
  
  

• 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).

• 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 Check , This position will drive a state fleet or non-state fleet vehicle for State business purposes..

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.  

• Travel - Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Shift Work - subject to assigned Shift
• 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.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.

2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

3. 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.

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.

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].

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

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.