Youth Program Officer II- $5,000 Sign on Incentive (Incentive is for External Hires Only)

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of a Program Manager, the Youth Program Officer II provides direct supervision, care, and treatment of residents in the custody of the Youth Services Center or its programs. The role helps maintain facility security and resident safety, leads and supports staff, and participates in resident education, counseling, recreation, and daily care. The position may involve shift work, resident transportation, physical restraint, and responding to escape attempts. Duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) in a temperature-controlled environment, with some outdoor work (10%), typically involving resident transportation and recreational activities. Potential hazards include injury from violent residents or strenuous restraint or pursuit activities, as well as possible exposure to infectious disease. The employee uses computers and communication equipment daily; recreational and sports equipment, facility keys, handcuffs, and shackles frequently; and fire extinguishers and oxygen equipment occasionally. The employee operates a County vehicle as necessary and must use an OSHA-approved respirator when required. The position requires successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation, compliance with County safety guidelines, required FEMA training, and 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and “A Level” Restraint Training. Recertification in those areas is required every six months. A valid New Mexico driver’s license is required by the employment date and must be maintained while employed. The posting lists a union rate of $29.70 and a $5,000 sign-on incentive for external hires only.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement, Criminology, Psychology, or a related field, plus one year of related experience working in a lockdown, secure, or correctional facility; an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
Successfully complete a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Comply with County safety guidelines and safety policy requirements, including use of an OSHA-approved respirator when required.
Complete required FEMA training as assigned to the position.
Complete 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and “A Level” Restraint Training, and recertify in these areas every six months.
Have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment date and maintain it while employed in the position.
Be able to use an OSHA-approved respirator when appropriate, including completing a medical evaluation and fit testing for proper sealing.

Responsibilities

Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbances and escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community.
Serve as a first-line lead worker to help ensure shifts are fully staffed and unit maintenance and facility security are maintained, including resident searches and facility inspections.
Conduct and participate in in-service training and staff development programs.
Assist in training, assigning, and leading subordinate staff.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement programs that educate residents in daily living skills, social skills, and work and study habits.
Counsel residents in group and individual sessions.
Review youth files and records to ensure accurate, current documentation and provide oral and written reports to the Program Manager.
Assign and monitor resident activities and supervise residents during physical education and recreational activities.
Transport residents to court, hospitals, other facilities, and service locations outside the Youth Services Center.
Physically restrain violent residents and, if necessary, pursue residents on foot during escape attempts.
Ensure appropriate shift transitions, including the transfer of pertinent documents, staffing issues, resident counts, equipment, and keys.
Initiate contact with parents, legal guardians, Probation and Parole Officers, and other agencies.
Perform other operational, job-related duties and on-the-job training as required or assigned.