Youth Program Specialist II - Whitehall (1st Shift)

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

7d • $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) contributes to the lives and health of Nebraskans every day. Our mission, “Helping people live better lives," provides the motivation to make a difference and that starts right here. Every individual within DHHS makes an impact; we want to elevate, engage, and empower those that choose to spend their energy making the world a little brighter. We recognize that our teammates bring tremendous value to the State of Nebraska and that their vital work helps fulfill our mission. We support our staff by offering fantastic benefits, training and development opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere. We are looking for caring professionals to join our team as a Youth Security Specialist II. In this role you will be an integral part of our Behavioral Health Division and provide critical care and support to adolescent males at Lincoln Regional Center - Whitehall. You have the passion, we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans!

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.
• Must be able to attend and complete one (1) week of New Employee Orientation, attendance during this time is mandatory.
• Must be able to work a shift assignment which includes weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.
• Employees in this class may be required to work rotating shifts.
• Positions in this class require an employee to possess a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of: principles and practices of group and family systems theory; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques; adolescent growth and development; individual counseling theory and practice; adolescent sexuality; recreational theory and practice; first aid; basic sanitation and personal hygiene; basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques.
• Skill in: organizing and prioritizing one’s own work; communicating to relay information to staff, management, industry professionals and family members/guardians; communicating with youth in a way that reinforces feelings of self-worth; listening to and understanding information received; providing learning experiences to enhance insight and growth of youth; being aware of others’ actions and reactions; persuading others to change their minds or behaviors; bringing others together to reconcile differences.
• Ability to: learn and apply facility policies, rules and regulations; learn and understand social and legal issues in child welfare; learn and apply security measures; intervene in crisis situations while maintaining the safety of youth and staff; perform housekeeping and maintenance duties in accordance with health standards; develop and maintain purposeful relationships with youth; plan, organize and participate in a variety of recreational or vocational activities; observe, assess and document adolescent behavior; work in a team setting to implement residential programs and develop and implement individual growth plans; lift, push, pull or bend to assist youth in meeting their needs and maintaining safety.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework/training in: social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development and the family, psychology, mental health care, education, social/behavioral sciences, human services or related area; OR 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.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, provides residential care, custody and supervision of youth located at a 24-hour state facility/ward; provides structured therapeutic activities and assists youth according to their individual treatment plan; maintains a secure, safe and clean environment and implements safety protocols; performs related work as assigned.
• Supervises individual youth or small groups in work and recreational activities, monitors, documents and reports on performance.
• Provides youth care as identified in their individual treatment plan providing ongoing assessment and input for treatment planning activities.
• Assists with rehabilitative treatment practiced at the facility.
• Involves youth in programming and activities to expand their social, educational, recreational and/or leisure skills.
• Assists with structured therapeutic groups and/or classes.
• Observes and records daily behavior and progress of residents.
• Participates in staff meetings and treatment planning sessions and contributes to the evaluation of youth.
• Participates in youth admission and discharge planning activities.
• Controls the movement of assigned residents to and from their living quarters for school and recreational activities, dining room, work detail and off campus appointments.
• Monitors the safety and security of youth through enforcement of facility security policies and procedures.
• Utilizes learned safety techniques as necessary.
• Responds to crisis situations, including runaways and sleep disturbances with individual residents.
• Responds to facility emergencies (tornado warnings, fire alarms, bomb threats) and follows necessary, pre-established emergency procedures.
• Regularly inspects the living quarters for maintenance and cleanliness and takes action to correct deficiencies.
• Conducts safety checks and contraband searches.
• Provides orientation and instruction to youth on program procedures and guidelines.
• Ensures youth observe and adhere to facility rules and procedures.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees