Youth Program Specialist II - YRTC-K

State of Nebraska•Kearney, NE

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney (YRTC-K) serves male youth ages 14 to just before 19 who have been committed to the facility by court order. Youth Program Specialists support youth with complex behaviors through structure, mentorship, and compassionate supervision, helping them work toward healing, growth, stability, and becoming successful, law-abiding citizens. YRTC-K is accredited by the American Correctional Association and operated by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Nebraska. The role involves supervising youth during daily activities and maintaining sight and sound supervision at all times. Specialists document behavior in writing and on a computer, respond to crisis situations, model appropriate behavior, and may transport youth. They participate in youth programming plans and attend group, team, and family team meetings. Other duties include shared light housekeeping and medication aide duties after completing the required class, which is provided during new employee training. The work requires physical stamina and strength, including standing, walking, occasional lifting, and the ability to physically intervene if needed.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Must be proficient in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend it effectively.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must have the physical stamina and strength required for standing, walking, occasional lifting, and physically intervening if needed.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or training in social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development and the family, psychology, mental health care, education, social or behavioral sciences, human services, or a related area.
Experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing, or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families.
Experience working with youth or adolescents is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise youth during daily activities and remain in sight and sound of youth at all times.
Document youth behavior in writing and using a computer.
Respond to crisis situations.
Serve as a role model to youth.
Transport youth when required.
Participate in youth programming plans, including group meetings, team meetings, and family team meetings.
Perform light housekeeping to keep shared staff areas clean and neat.
Perform medication aide duties after passing the medication aide class provided during new employee training.
Use computer programs and tools including email, Word, Excel, and the myAvatar database.