Educational Youth Development Officer

Harris County•Houston, TX

11d•$52,291•Onsite

About The Position

The Opportunity Center is a career readiness academy that empowers justice-involved youth through high-quality education, career readiness, vocational training, enrichment opportunities, and real-world work experiences. From the first day students walk through our doors until they transition into the community as confident young adults, we provide the structure, support, and opportunities needed to develop academically, professionally, and personally. Through a culture of accountability, belonging, and high expectations, we prepare every student with the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence to succeed in education, employment, and life while becoming positive contributors to their families and communities. The Youth Development Officer (YDO) serves as a mentor, coach, and positive role model. Working within a structured, supportive, and accountability-driven environment, the YDO promotes student safety, personal growth, academic achievement, workforce readiness, and positive decision-making. Through daily interactions, coaching, supervision, and relationship-building, the YDO reinforces the professional behaviors, social-emotional skills, and character traits necessary for success in education, employment, and life. Youth Development Officers collaborate with teachers, Emerging Adult Specialists (EAS), therapists, vocational instructors, and other multidisciplinary team members to support each student's Individual Development Plan (IDP) while helping students achieve their educational, vocational, behavioral, and career readiness goals. In addition to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment, Youth Development Officers are expected to model professionalism, accountability, respect, integrity, teamwork, communication, punctuality, and other career readiness behaviors that prepare students to become productive members of their families, workplaces, and communities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
A minimum of sixty (60) college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
One (1) year of full-time paid experience working with justice-impacted youth.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to perform searches in accordance with HCJPD policies & procedures.
Working knowledge of how to use office equipment.
Working knowledge of behavior intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques
Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with appropriate liability auto insurance coverage.
Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county’s drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment.
In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of JPD restraint and/or crisis intervention plan.
Familiarity with JPD policies & procedures, departmental guidelines, federal, state, and local statutes.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Mentor and coach students
Reinforce career readiness behaviors and professional expectations.
Support GED completion & vocational training
Utilize Rewire CBT, motivational interviewing, restorative practices, and de-escalation techniques.
Manage an assigned caseload and monitor student progress through Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Maintain a safe, structured, and orderly learning environment.
Assist in the transportation of students to and from school
Conduct pat-down searches in accordance with HCJPD policy.
Utilize approved restraint and crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
Prepare weekly caseload reports.
Complete behavioral documentation and incident reports.
Participate in Care Team & multidisciplinary staffing meetings.
Collaborate with EAS staff, therapists, teachers, and vocational instructors.
Model workplace professionalism and career readiness behaviors at all times.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.
Support the mission, vision, and values of the Opportunity Center.