Correctional Youth Security Officer I - Pueblo Youth Service Center

State of Colorado•Pueblo, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Youth Security Officer I provides 24-hour, seven-day-per-week supervision of youth in a Division of Youth Services (DYS) state-operated secure facility. The position maintains safety and security through appropriate supervision, organizes and directs daily living and leisure activities, and provides corrective cognitive, emotional, and behavioral experiences using a trauma-responsive approach. The officer serves adolescents with behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors and must follow applicable legal standards, CDHS and DYS policies, audit standards, and youth center procedures. The position is based at Pueblo Youth Service Center, 1406 West 17th St, Pueblo, Colorado. Work is onsite during assigned scheduled hours. Listed shifts are 6 a.m.–2 p.m., 2 p.m.–10 p.m., and 10 p.m.–6 a.m., Saturday through Friday, with varied days off. Shifts and work arrangements may change. The role includes direct supervision and security, youth programming and behavior management, documentation and reporting, organizational accountability, and completing required training. Employees must complete DYS pre-service training, field training, and ongoing mandatory training. Applicants must be Colorado residents, at least 21 years old, and possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license. The role requires background screening and transportation of youth in state vehicles.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). No substitutions are allowed.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must have no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Must be a Colorado resident at application and remain a Colorado resident throughout employment.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license.
Must pass required background screening, including applicable criminal history, fingerprint, database, reference, drug, PREA, and driving-record checks.
Must successfully complete the DYS Pre-Service Training Academy, Field Training Program, youth center training and orientation, and mandatory annual training to continue employment.
Must attend and successfully complete assigned training and testing, maintain required certifications as applicable, and maintain the physical ability to demonstrate required skills.
Must work assigned shifts, which may include day, evening, or overnight hours, and transport youth in state vehicles as required.

Nice To Haves

Previous state experience.
Previous experience in law enforcement or the military.
Safety and security experience.
Programming and document-reporting experience.
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting.
Enforce security rules and behavioral expectations; orient youth to the unit and agency routines; direct daily living and leisure activities; and intervene in volatile situations.
Respond to crises using sound judgment, emotional control, de-escalation, and approved physical response techniques when required; participate in incident defusing and debriefing.
Monitor youth movement and escort or transport youth to activities and appointments, including in state vehicles.
Conduct searches of youth, property, and areas; identify, document, and seize contraband; and check facility locks, grounds, and perimeter for safety and escape risks.
Monitor suicide-prevention, medical-watch, and other special-observation statuses; implement safety plans and behavior agreements; and observe youth in seclusion according to policy.
Prevent sexual contact and harassment, comply with PREA standards, and follow protocols for incidents, altercations, medical emergencies, and fire drills.
Implement the Youth Center behavior-management program; teach, coach, redirect, and model prosocial behavior; and facilitate problem-solving, psychoeducational, recreational, and skill-building groups.
Support restorative community justice, community transition and reintegration, treatment and case-plan goals, and youth programming initiatives.
Monitor and document youth behavior, privileges, consequences, Individual Growth and Change Plans, and behavioral management plans; recommend program modifications to supervisory or clinical staff.
Maintain living-unit cleanliness and safety; support youth hygiene, clothing and linen distribution, meals, recreation, education, and access to grievance, medical, and behavioral health services.
Distribute youth medication and document distribution as specified by policy; support youth needs and uphold their rights.
Provide orientation to newly admitted youth within 24 hours when assigned.
Document observations, searches, activities, monitoring statuses, incidents, group activities, property, medication, legal records, and other required information in forms, files, logs, and the TRAILS database.
Report known or suspected abuse as a mandatory reporter and notify relevant staff and parties about incidents and youth information.
Communicate professionally and respectfully, comply with CDHS and DYS policies and conduct standards, and contribute to a healthy and positive workplace climate.
Attend and successfully complete required training, testing, certifications, and demonstrations of skills; maintain the physical ability to demonstrate required skills.
Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PERA defined benefit or defined contribution retirement 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 BenefitHub Resource Center.
Employee Wellness program.
Work-life programs, including flexible schedules and training.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.