Youth Specialist I - Juvenile Detention Center

Oakland County • Pontiac, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an on-site position at Oakland County Children’s Village, a 24/7 child-caring campus serving neglected and delinquent youth through secure, non-secure, and community-based programs. The role involves supervising, supporting, and guiding youth through their daily routines while maintaining a safe and structured living environment. It requires collaboration with a treatment team to develop and implement strategies supporting resident needs and goals, leading participation in various activities, and providing crisis intervention when necessary.

Requirements

• Must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test.
• Have passed his/her 21st birthday.
• Have not been convicted of a felony violation involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
• Must submit to annual periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at County expense.
• Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
• Drive designated county-owned vehicle when on duty, unless directed otherwise.
• Must become certified in CPR and maintain certification annually.
• Before beginning employment, candidates will be required to provide Children’s Village with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect.
• Applicants for positions at Children’s Village will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following: (a) Child Abuse or Neglect. (b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.
• Ability to communicate work-related information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to provide direct physical care and supervision to juveniles, including responding to medical needs and behavioral emergencies.
• Ability to apply prescribed physical management techniques to ensure the safety of residents and staff when necessary.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience with youths either on a paid or volunteer basis.
• College study in the area of Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Criminal Justice.
• Considerable ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions by management.
• Considerable ability to prepare and present oral and written reports.
• Considerable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior in order to appropriately advise, instruct, and supervise residents.
• Considerable ability to cope with emergency or difficult situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Considerable ability to establish and effective relationships with residents, other employees and the general public.
• Reasonable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior.
• Reasonable ability to counsel, instruct, mentor, and actively supervise residents.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, support, and guide youth through their daily routines while maintaining a safe and structured living environment.
• Observe resident behavior, document progress and incidents, and actively contribute to individualized treatment plans.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to develop and implement strategies that support each resident’s needs and goals.
• Lead and encourage participation in educational, recreational, work, and other scheduled activities.
• Inspect living and sleeping areas to maintain security, identify concerns, and prevent potential incidents.
• Provide crisis intervention and, when necessary, use approved physical-restraint techniques to safely respond to aggressive or uncontrolled behavior.
• Transport residents safely to court appearances and program-related activities.
• Consistently follow administrative policies, state licensing requirements, and the mission and purpose of Children’s Village.
• Work assigned day, afternoon, midnight, and/or weekend shifts to support the facility’s 24/7 operations.
• Engage youth in a respectful and professional manner, establish appropriate rapport and trust, and always maintain clear professional boundaries.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with youth, supervisors, and staff while actively listening and responding appropriately to questions, concerns, and needs.
• Monitor and document resident behavior, activities, and significant incidents; complete accurate shift reports to ensure continuity of care and communication between shifts.
• Promote and reinforce daily living skills, including personal hygiene, appropriate eating habits, housekeeping, grooming, and healthy sleep routines.
• Maintain continuous awareness and accountability of residents; enforce program rules, policies, and expectations consistently and fairly.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide relevant observations and information to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized treatment plans.
• Conduct routine inspections of living areas and sleeping quarters to promote safety and security and identify potential hazards, prohibited items, or other concerns.
• Provide crisis intervention, including physical restraint of aggressive or uncontrolled youth when necessary, using prescribed techniques.
• Utilize effective de-escalation and conflict-management techniques to maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment during high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Respond to emergencies in accordance with facility procedures and emergency codes, including medical emergencies, self-harm incidents, escapes, assaults, and other critical situations.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to support daily operations, maintain consistency, and promote a positive team environment.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality and fulfill assigned responsibilities in a timely and dependable manner.
• Protect and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information involving youth, staff, records, and facility operations in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and established protocols; demonstrate accountability, dependability, and consistent professional conduct.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of assigned unit and any equipment used in programs.
• Drive county vehicles to safely transport residents to court hearings, medical appointments, and other authorized activities.
• May dispense medication when medical staff is not present.
• Instruct by demonstrating indoor/outdoor recreational, vocational, and work activities to foster development of residents' skills and sportsmanship.
• Assist in admitting new residents to facility, following established rules and procedures.
• Conduct meal counts and records of food consumed in order to ensure accuracy and adherence to the Michigan Department of Education food funding regulations.
• Assist in searches for escapees/runaways from the facility as directed.
• Maintain inventory and accounting records as directed.
• Assist in conducting tours of Children's Village, when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.
• Utilize current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunity to do meaningful work that matters
• For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED