Part Time Youth Specialist I - Juvenile Detention Center

Oakland CountyPontiac, MI
$22 - $29Onsite

About The Position

This is an on-site position. Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while helping create a safe, structured, and supportive environment? Join Oakland County Children’s Village, a 24/7 child-caring campus serving neglected and delinquent youth through secure, non-secure, and community-based programs.

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.
  • In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing Children’s Village to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.
  • 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.
  • Supervises residents throughout daily activities and ensures participation in scheduled programming, including school, meals, recreation, and other assigned activities.
  • Engages youth in a respectful and professional manner, establish appropriate rapport and trust, and always maintains clear professional boundaries.
  • Communicates clearly and professionally with youth, supervisors, and staff while actively listening and responding appropriately to questions, concerns, and needs.
  • Monitors and documents resident behavior, activities, and significant incidents; completes accurate shift reports to ensure continuity of care and communication between shifts.
  • Promotes and reinforces daily living skills, including personal hygiene, appropriate eating habits, housekeeping, grooming, and healthy sleep routines.
  • Maintains continuous awareness and accountability of residents; enforces program rules, policies, and expectations consistently and fairly.
  • Participates in treatment team meetings and provides relevant observations and information to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized treatment plans.
  • Conducts routine inspections of living areas and sleeping quarters to promote safety and security and identify potential hazards, prohibited items, or other concerns. These room/facility searches may require bending, squatting, and stretching for various lengths of time.
  • Provides crisis intervention, including physical restraint of aggressive or uncontrolled youth when necessary, using prescribed techniques. Utilizes effective de-escalation and conflict-management techniques to maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment during high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
  • Responds to emergencies in accordance with facility procedures and emergency codes, including medical emergencies, self-harm incidents, escapes, assaults, and other critical situations.
  • Collaborates effectively with supervisors and coworkers to support daily operations, maintain consistency, and promote a positive team environment.
  • Maintains reliable attendance and punctuality and fulfill assigned responsibilities in a timely and dependable manner.
  • Protects and maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information involving youth, staff, records, and facility operations in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements
  • Follows organizational policies, procedures, and established protocols; demonstrates accountability, dependability, and consistent professional conduct.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness of assigned unit and any equipment used in programs.
  • Drives county vehicles to safely transport residents to court hearings, medical appointments, and other authorized activities.
  • May dispense medication when medical staff is not present. All medications will be pre-packed by medical staff with the resident’s name and date of birth.
  • Instructs by demonstrating indoor/outdoor recreational, vocational, and work activities to foster development of residents' skills and sportsmanship.
  • Assists in admitting new residents to facility, following established rules and procedures.
  • Conducts meal counts and records of food consumed in order to ensure accuracy and adherence to the Michigan Department of Education food funding regulations.
  • Assists in searches for escapees/runaways from the facility as directed.
  • Maintains inventory and accounting records as directed.
  • Assist in conducting tours of Children's Village, when assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefits
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