Activity Specialist -Correctional Security Officer I - Prairie Vista Youth

at  State of Colorado Job Opportunities

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the location below.This position has a residency waiver and will be accepting applications from residents and non-residents of Colorado. This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense

DESCRIPTION OF JOB

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

This position’s primary purpose is to provide direct care and supervision of youth and to engage groups of youth in custody in structured and therapeutic activities using a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance/movement; sports and games.

• Exists as a collaborative member of the program team in the assessment, development, and implementation of day and evening program services for youth who frequently have emotional, behavioral and cognitive disorders as well as mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Collaborates with the Team, in the assessment, development and practical implementation of formal and informal program plans within the scope of practice for this classification;
• Guides and coaches staff in the delivery of skill based, problem solving and psychoeducational groups and assesses and implements activities to improve the consistency and quality of group programming.
• Studies information to determine a scheduled and organized manner for practical implementation of services for all individuals in the assigned group, and is responsible for the structure, maintenance, and safety of the program site and all participants served.
• Provides onsite direction and training for all direct care staff in therapeutic activities and serves as direct care coverage in order to meet required staff to youth supervision ratios.
• Ensures protection from harm for all individuals; and protection of the rights and quality of life.
• Independently applies incidental solutions and alternatives as determined necessary in individual circumstances within established guidelines; judgment is necessary to choose the “most correct” of available alternatives within established standards for service delivery.
• Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a facility program.
• To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and facility specific procedure.
• Maintain a safe environment through appropriate supervision and use of behavioral management skills and interventions in order to guide youth through daily living and leisure activities.
• Conduct searches of individuals and rooms for contraband items.
• Inspect and ensure the safety and security of doors, windows, and youth center grounds.
• Inspect common areas and youth center living units to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards.
• Implement and document suicide precautions monitoring, safety plans and behavior agreements for those youth at high risk of hurting themselves or others or demonstrating other serious behavioral concerns.
• Monitor secure perimeter and monitor and control access to restricted areas.
• Use conflict management, non-escalation and de-escalation skills and, in emergencies, use approved physical response techniques when all other interventions have failed.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with youth to support them in their programming.
• Teach, coach and redirect youth within the behavior management program and role model prosocial behavior at all times.
• Reinforce use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment.
• Facilitate educational, skill development, recreation, and other youth groups and activities.
• Support treatment and case plan goals and objectives developed by the Behavioral Health & Medical Services unit.
• Provide supervision and support of community transition/reintegration opportunities for youth.
• Adhere to and reinforce established DYS rules, policies, and procedures and utilize proper protocols when responding to critical incidents, physical altercations, medical emergencies, fire drills and other incidents.
• Utilize computer software to document incident reports and other activities when required.

LIVED EXPERIENCE:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is committed to hiring individuals who are professional and passionate about their desire to help youth. DYS values candidates who have demonstrated perseverance as a special attribute that can help the youth in our care. DYS encourages qualified candidates with “lived experience” to apply. Lived experience comes from the personal knowledge and understanding that many possess by virtue of first-hand experience with mental health, substance abuse, systems involvement and traumatic events. Lived experience brings unique knowledge, insights and perspectives that are invaluable for organizational growth, increased sensitivity to the youth and families we serve, and new ideas and inspiration for improving service delivery.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).
Substitutions: None
These positions are not sedentary positions. Employees are typically on their feet during the entire shift. Youth living quarters are located on multiple levels and employees must frequently climb stairs in the performance of job duties. Please take into account your physical ability in relation to the essential job duties when applying for job.
Employees must also be willing and able to physically intervene with assaultive youth.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

College education in a behavioral health and or juvenile justice related field.
Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure residential facility and/or a behavioral health setting;
Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; Education/experience working with adolescents who have trauma;
Experience working with youth in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching.
Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.

ABOUT US:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services(CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

  information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO INCREASING THE DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF AND PROVIDING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSES FROM PEOPLE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND ABILITIES.

ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

• Exists as a collaborative member of the program team in the assessment, development, and implementation of day and evening program services for youth who frequently have emotional, behavioral and cognitive disorders as well as mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Collaborates with the Team, in the assessment, development and practical implementation of formal and informal program plans within the scope of practice for this classification;
• Guides and coaches staff in the delivery of skill based, problem solving and psychoeducational groups and assesses and implements activities to improve the consistency and quality of group programming.
• Studies information to determine a scheduled and organized manner for practical implementation of services for all individuals in the assigned group, and is responsible for the structure, maintenance, and safety of the program site and all participants served.
• Provides onsite direction and training for all direct care staff in therapeutic activities and serves as direct care coverage in order to meet required staff to youth supervision ratios.
• Ensures protection from harm for all individuals; and protection of the rights and quality of life.
• Independently applies incidental solutions and alternatives as determined necessary in individual circumstances within established guidelines; judgment is necessary to choose the “most correct” of available alternatives within established standards for service delivery.
• Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a facility program.
• To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and facility specific procedure.
• Maintain a safe environment through appropriate supervision and use of behavioral management skills and interventions in order to guide youth through daily living and leisure activities.
• Conduct searches of individuals and rooms for contraband items.
• Inspect and ensure the safety and security of doors, windows, and youth center grounds.
• Inspect common areas and youth center living units to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards.
• Implement and document suicide precautions monitoring, safety plans and behavior agreements for those youth at high risk of hurting themselves or others or demonstrating other serious behavioral concerns.
• Monitor secure perimeter and monitor and control access to restricted areas.
• Use conflict management, non-escalation and de-escalation skills and, in emergencies, use approved physical response techniques when all other interventions have failed.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with youth to support them in their programming.
• Teach, coach and redirect youth within the behavior management program and role model prosocial behavior at all times.
• Reinforce use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment.
• Facilitate educational, skill development, recreation, and other youth groups and activities.
• Support treatment and case plan goals and objectives developed by the Behavioral Health & Medical Services unit.
• Provide supervision and support of community transition/reintegration opportunities for youth.
• Adhere to and reinforce established DYS rules, policies, and procedures and utilize proper protocols when responding to critical incidents, physical altercations, medical emergencies, fire drills and other incidents.
• Utilize computer software to document incident reports and other activities when required