Youth Services Specialist III - Prairie Vista Youth Service Center

State of Colorado•Greeley, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a first-line formal supervisory position dedicated to overseeing or providing supervision for direct care Youth Services Specialists. This is accomplished through the supervision of subordinate series FTE and/or through direct provision of the service. Routinely manages: scheduling of staff, movement of juveniles, oversees admissions/releases, orientation (for both staff and youth), security/control functions, educational support services, daily programming, recreation, meals, medical referral and follow-up, and customer service. Responsible to identify, report, document and intervene in subordinate staff performance concerns, when necessary. Responsible to model, uphold and ensure compliance with DYS (Division of Youth Services) Policy and QAYS DYS Compliance Standards by subordinate staff. Member of Youth Center Leadership Team responsible for integrating goals and principles of trauma responsiveness/Sanctuary Model, DYS Strategic Plan, and other programmatic initiatives of the Division.

Requirements

Two (2) year of full-time professional corrections-related experience working in a correctional or trauma-informed facility. 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.
High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).
Must possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License.
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
No felony convictions or history of domestic violence.

Nice To Haves

College with course work in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field (as a substitution for experience).
Ability to work effectively with key stakeholders, achieving consensus, resolving communication problems, influencing, and managing competing interests.
Ability to work well with constituents regardless of position and authority, contribute to governing boards and committees, and adhere to clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
Flexibility in leadership through performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial, or administrative management, policy, and program issues.
Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment.
Proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to problem solve and execute decisions.
Ability to work in a complex political environment.
Self-motivated
Positive role model
Teamwork
Experience in program and/or project development
Training and Facilitation experience
Training Development experience
Supervisory/management experience
Proven experience in overseeing and executing data-driven performance management and outcome-based systems and initiatives.
Previous experience working with a complex juvenile/high risk youth population.
Proven experience in policy analysis, development, and implementation.
Relevant years of state service experience.
Lived experience (personal knowledge and understanding from first-hand experience with mental health, substance abuse, systems involvement and traumatic events).

Responsibilities

Supervise subordinate staff, including performance management, hiring process participation, and professional development.
Oversee daily facility operations, including scheduling, movement of juveniles, admissions/releases, and security/control functions.
Ensure compliance with DYS Policy and QAYS DYS Compliance Standards.
Integrate goals and principles of trauma responsiveness/Sanctuary Model, DYS Strategic Plan, and other programmatic initiatives.
Manage staff performance through coaching, feedback, and formal evaluations.
Ensure completion of formal and informal counts, and evaluate incidents to minimize assaultive behaviors.
Monitor the location, movement, safety, and condition of youth, and demonstrate effective crisis intervention.
Conduct tests and drills for emergency response protocols.
Ensure physical plant, sanitation, and hygiene standards are met.
Oversee shift supervision duties and ensure appropriate staff positioning and intervention readiness.
Authorize and oversee the use of mechanical restraints and Seclusion.
Supervise and maintain youth center programming, ensuring all program activities are completed and documented.
Lead and role-model the consistent implementation of trauma responsive tools and interventions.
Enforce safety and security rules and adherence to DYS Safe Practices.
Supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, ensuring youth rights and needs are satisfied.
Conduct Major Rule Violation Hearings and uphold due process requirements.
Supervise and oversee accurate documentation of all daily facility operations, policies, and standards.
Ensure proper documentation of Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM), Individual and Group Growth and Change Plans, NDR status, Seclusion, and Medical Watch.
Act as first public contact with agency when necessary and as Facility Supervisor when Director and Assistant Director are off-site.
Monitor safety and security of volunteer/contractor activities and vocational programming.
Ensure positive relationships with teachers and administrators and support educational initiatives.