Correctional Youth Security Officer II -Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

at  State of Colorado Job Opportunities

DESCRIPTION OF JOB

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position is direct care and essential. To maintain safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth, to organize and direct daily living and leisure activities of youth, in accordance with the living unit master schedule, shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction. Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure facility program using a trauma-responsive approach. To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards, and facility-specific procedures. This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. This position functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIsSafety and Security

• Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a locked setting.
• Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location, mobility and continual observation of youth.
• Enforce established security rules and behavior of a youth or a group of youth, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/facility and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations. Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.
• Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all juveniles and staff.
• Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Reinforce the use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment.
• Monitor movement of youth in unit or through agency, escort, and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency, and conduct searches of persons, property, or areas according to schedule or as needed.
• Ensure that pat searches, personal searches, and full searches are conducted by a same-sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juvenile’s stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy 13.9. Identify, document, and seize contraband as directed or appropriate.
• Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, and facility grounds to minimize escape risk. Assess and document suicidal, medical, escape risk, special needs, and room restrictions.
• Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards. Monitors SPM status, or other special observation status of the youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and a strength-based approach when interacting with youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner.
• When all other attempts to de-escalate youth have failed, adhere to the approved physical management policy and protocols.
• Place youth on Seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Monitor, participate, support, and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Behavior Agreements, Growth and Change Plans). Monitor medical watches as instructed and required pursuant to timeframes noted on the Room Check Sheet(s).
• Actively supervise to support the prevention of sexual contact in the facility, and adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

Programming

• Actively and with positive engagement, implements and follows the facility Behavioral Management Program.
• Conducts processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning. Observes, monitors, detects, records and reports problem behaviors.
• Communicates expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements.
• Role model prosocial behaviors for youth.
• Uses prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, and communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances.
• Supports restorative community justice principles and/or activities.
• Supports DYS Strategic Plan and initiatives as they relate to juvenile programming, daily routines, and crisis intervention.
• Objectively and fairly monitors and records youth behaviors, and intervenes according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.
• Manages the adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities. Recognizes, implements, monitors, observes, and documents compliance with Safety Plans, Behavior Agreements, and Individual Growth and Change Plans) in accordance with the juvenile’s written program.
• Recommends any modifications of the program to supervisory and/or clinical staff. Facilitates and monitors cleanup of pod and rooms, inspects, according to daily schedule.
• Monitors and ensures juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedures. Routinely and equitably distributes linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practices.
• Ensures that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance, and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference.
• Supports and/or facilitates youth to meet their presenting needs and address or satisfy their concerns.
• Upholds basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy.
• Supports and ensures that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards, youth condition, and daily program schedule.
• Provides orientation for newly admitted youth within 24 hours of admission according to prevailing orientation standards as assigned.
• Provides support to educational programming as requested and assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).

WORK EXPERIENCE

One (1) 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.

Note: Anything less than 40 hours per week is considered part-time experience. Credit is given for part-time work but is calculated by prorating the qualifying experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The preferred candidate will possess demonstrated experience in the following areas:

• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure facility
• Self-motivated
• Positive role model
• Teamwork
• Experience in program and/or project development
• Trainer certification in staff development
• Supervisory/management experience
• Proven Leadership and Decision Making skills
• Microsoft Office Programs
• College degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field

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.

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 ADAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Through all communications and behaviors the employee demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.
• Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner, ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity.
• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, the 7 Commitments and support the 5 Key Strategies. To be aware of, and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, and DYS Audit Standards.
• Adheres to CDHS, DYS Policy, and Procedures regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices.
• Completes other duties as assigned and follows supervisor’s requests and directives, within Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS and DYS Policies and Procedures.
• As a Work Lead, role-models, coaches, teaches and enforces staff adherence to all the above.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Completion of yearly mandatory training requirements
• Participation on committees in the youth center and throughout DYS.
• Provides recreational services, as needed. Develop and implement the recreation schedule for the youth.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position is direct care and essential. To maintain safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth, to organize and direct daily living and leisure activities of youth, in accordance with the living unit master schedule, shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction. Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure facility program using a trauma-responsive approach. To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards, and facility-specific procedures. This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. This position functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIsSafety and Security

• Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a locked setting.
• Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location, mobility and continual observation of youth.
• Enforce established security rules and behavior of a youth or a group of youth, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/facility and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations. Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.
• Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all juveniles and staff.
• Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Reinforce the use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment.
• Monitor movement of youth in unit or through agency, escort, and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency, and conduct searches of persons, property, or areas according to schedule or as needed.
• Ensure that pat searches, personal searches, and full searches are conducted by a same-sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juvenile’s stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy 13.9. Identify, document, and seize contraband as directed or appropriate.
• Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, and facility grounds to minimize escape risk. Assess and document suicidal, medical, escape risk, special needs, and room restrictions.
• Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards. Monitors SPM status, or other special observation status of the youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and a strength-based approach when interacting with youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner.
• When all other attempts to de-escalate youth have failed, adhere to the approved physical management policy and protocols.
• Place youth on Seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Monitor, participate, support, and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Behavior Agreements, Growth and Change Plans). Monitor medical watches as instructed and required pursuant to timeframes noted on the Room Check Sheet(s).
• Actively supervise to support the prevention of sexual contact in the facility, and adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards