About The Position

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position is direct-care and essential. 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. Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure Youth Center program using a trauma responsive approach. To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and Youth Center specific procedure. This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. This position functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs. This position must maintain professional boundaries according to the Policy S-3-30 - Professional Conduct and the Policy S-3-20 - Relationships Between Employees and Youth.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
  • One (1) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
  • Corrections-related experience is defined as the custody and control of a detained or adjudicated population and/or experience as a POST Certified Officer, or Military Law Enforcement.
  • Must possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License.
  • Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.

Nice To Haves

  • Admissions and Control trained
  • Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure facility
  • Experience in program and/or project development
  • Self-motivated
  • Positive role model
  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork
  • Trainer certification in staff development
  • Supervisory, management, and/or leadership experience
  • Critical Thinking and Decision Making skills
  • Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides
  • College degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field.
  • Relevant years of state service

Responsibilities

  • Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a locked setting.
  • Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location, mobility and continual observation of youth.
  • Enforce established security rules and behavior of a youth or a group of youth, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/facility and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations.
  • Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.
  • Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crisis in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all juveniles and staff.
  • Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
  • Monitor movement of youth in unit or through agency, escort and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency, conduct searches of persons, property or areas according to schedule or as needed.
  • Ensure that pat searches and strip searches are conducted by a same sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juveniles stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy 13.9.
  • Identify, document and seize contraband as directed or appropriate.
  • Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, and facility grounds to minimize escape risk.
  • Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards.
  • Monitor SPM status, or other special observation status youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s).
  • Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and a strength based approach when interacting with youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner.
  • When all other attempts to de-escalate youth have failed, adhere to the Division Physical Response Protocols.
  • 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, Special Management Programs).
  • Monitor medical watches as instructed and required pursuant to timeframes noted on the Room Check Sheet(s).
  • Actively supervise to support prevention of sexual contact in the facility, adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.
  • Coaches, teaches, and mentors other employees.
  • Role model adherence to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure at all times.
  • 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 contracts and safety plans.
  • Reviews and oversees the proper implementation of Juvenile Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) screening, Special Management Programs (SMP), Seclusion, Behavior Contracts and Safety Plans.
  • Identifies milieu concerns and provide solutions to minimize, reduce and eliminate potential threats.
  • Reviews Minor Rule Violations and approve proper interventions.
  • Ensure youth completes assigned interventions.
  • Ensure Minor Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
  • Reviews Major Rule Violations and provide constructive feedback to staff writing incident reports.
  • Ensure Major Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
  • Conduct 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, according to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
  • Respond to, and provide solutions and coaching as needed to rectify emergency concerns.
  • Ensures proper administration of medication according to QMAP standards, DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures.
  • Oversee after hours receipt of medication Inform or refer juveniles and/or staff for medical care as needed or requested.
  • Provide notification, follow-up and other required/pertinent documentation.
  • In the event of medical emergency, per DYS Policy provide medical attention and follow up as necessary.
  • Assigns staff to post assignments as needed and uphold staffing patterns according to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures.
  • Participates and/or facilitate required post incident processes per DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures.
  • Will ensure required follow-up as needed.
  • Evaluate incidents, provide information to minimize assaultive behaviors by action planning and communicating pertinent information to all necessary parties.
  • Responds to all codes and assess/evaluate situation and provide direction as needed.
  • Ensure 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.
  • Ensure 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.
  • Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the facility behavioral management program.
  • Conduct processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning.
  • Observe, monitor, detect, record and report problem behaviors.
  • Communicate expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements.
  • Role model pro-social behaviors 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.
  • Support DYS initiatives and strategies as it relates to juvenile programming and crisis intervention.
  • Objectively and fairly monitor, record youth behaviors, and intervene according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.
  • Oversee daily program schedule based on prevailing standards.
  • Recognize, implement, monitor, observe and document juvenile SMP (Special Management Program) in accordance to the written program.
  • Recommend any modifications of program to supervisory and/or clinical staff.
  • Facilitate and monitor cleanup of pod and rooms, inspect, according to daily schedule.
  • Monitor and ensure juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedure.
  • Routinely and equitably distribute linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice.
  • Ensure that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference.
  • Support and/or facilitate youth to meet their presenting need and address or satisfy their concerns.
  • Uphold basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy.
  • Provide individual or group psycho-education.
  • Support and ensure that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards, youth 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.
  • Document observations of juvenile behavior and response to program(s).
  • Complete documentation of facility and youth searches.
  • Document all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log.
  • Record Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) and Special Management Program (SMP) Status and Medical Watch based on the assigned time intervals or frequency for the specific youth.
  • Complete Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff.
  • Document daily youth behavior observations.
  • Document all youth group activities in the TRAILS database.
  • Generate and document Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy.
  • Notify and complete all forms relevant to youth incident reports.
  • Observe and document youth behaviors on Seclusion status.
  • Document and report youth behavioral transgressions and recommend interventions to supervisory staff.
  • Report and document any facility deficiencies or safety concerns.
  • Document meal distribution on the daily meal tracking sheet(s).
  • All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing 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 property.
  • Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate.
  • This 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 MAYSI-2/SIRS-R is completed within two hours of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth.
  • Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions.
  • Reviews of all necessary documentation to ensure adherence to DYS Policy, Facility Implementing Procedures, and Audit Standards.
  • Provides documentation of all youth movement, needs, concerns, crisis interventions, juvenile status per DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
  • Reviews admission files, including youth room classification, MAYSI-2/SIRS-R results and ensures 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.
  • Through all communications and behaviors employee will demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.
  • Communicates with outside agencies and co-workers in a professional manner; ensuring to communicate with all residents, staff, and internal/external customers with respect and dignity.
  • Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS 5 Core Values and support the 5 Key Strategies.
  • To be aware of, and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and Implementing Procedures.
  • Will adhere to CDHS and DYS Policy regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices.
  • Will complete other duties as assigned and follow supervisors requests and directives, within Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS and DYS Policies and Procedures.
  • As a Lead Worker, will role-model, coach, teach and enforce staff adherence to all the above.
  • Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training.
  • 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 complete DYS Pre-Service, Facility Training and Orientation process as a new employee.
  • Maintain and support the Division’s prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies.
  • As a lead worker, ensure training standards are met and/or provide professional development of YSS Is.
  • Facilitate and/or co-facilitate team meetings, as needed.

Benefits

  • Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org 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
  • BenefitHub state employee discount program
  • Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
  • 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.
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