Communication, Surveillance, and Safety Coordinator - YSS III

Full Job Description

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the location below.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Physical Job location:
Prairie Vista Youth Service Center
192 Bromley Business Pkwy.
Brighton, CO 80603

About the Division of Youth Services: The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development.

The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma-responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non-violent interactions.

DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole.

DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services.

The Division operates 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed.

For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum; a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system.

In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State. We have many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.

We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys. There are numerous opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families and we welcome you to join our team.

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CDHSCareers

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.

Requirements

About the position - This position serves as a Communication, Surveillance, and Safety Coordinator.

Responsible for modeling, upholding, and ensuring compliance with DYS (Division of Youth Services) Policy and DYS Compliance Standards.

The Communication, Surveillance, and Safety Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the effective and ethical management of the body-worn camera (BWC) program.

This position will also provide oversight to stationary cameras, radios, DVRs, perimeter lighting, metal detection, mail, fire safety and secure fencing.

The purpose of these duties is to uphold policies and procedures while ensuring all youth are treated with dignity, respect, fairness, and equity.

These duties are essential to maintaining transparency, accountability, and the protection of both youth and staff within and outside of the youth center to include on transports.

This position must maintain professional boundaries in accordance with all CDHS and DYS policies and procedures

Duties Include but are not limited to the following:

Communication, Surveillance, and Safety Coordinator - Serves as the facilities primary liaison with body worn camera company to establish and maintain staff user profiles, including transferring profiles during staff promotions or turnover.

Ensure clear expectations and accountability for body-worn camera usage, including guidelines on when cameras may be disabled during shifts.

Reviews videos involving incidents, other internal and external investigations. Assists Youth Center Administration in reviewing and collecting videos regarding personnel concerns.

Ensure strict compliance with Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Policy 2.14 HIPAA Privacy, 2.19 Sensitive and Confidential Information, and 2.27 Internal Investigations, and ensure absolute confidentiality in all matters.

Tracks and reports performance outcomes to DYS leadership specific to pilot data and feedback.

This role manages/oversees BWC, radios, stationary cameras, DVRs, and other safety equipment like metal detectors, perimeter lighting, or other detection equipment.

Incident Response Coaching and Feedback - This position oversees staff whose work involves providing safe, secure, and trauma-responsive direct care of youth in DYS.

This position teaches, leads, informs, monitors, and coaches staff as required per their oversight area. Completes required personnel documentation consistent with CDHS and DYS Policy.

Trains staff on relevant policies and procedures related to incident responses.

Provides oversight, coaching, and mentoring to direct care staff, including recognizing staff strengths as well as identifying and assisting staff in areas of performance improvement.

Specific focus on what was seen in the body worn and other communication devices ensuring supervisor and youth center administration is aware

Safety & Security/Emergency - Provides verbal and written instructions and directives regarding daily operations and directives related to body worn cameras.

Evaluates incidents, provides information to minimize assaultive behaviors by action planning, and communicates pertinent information to all necessary parties.

Monitors the location, movement, safety, and condition of youth. Demonstrates effective crisis intervention as necessary.

Required to respond to and assess possible crisis situations, taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all youth and staff.

Ensures debriefs of crises or emergency situations occur within the required timeframes.

Employs sound judgement and emotional control when dealing with a crisis and determining the approach and/or resolution. Utilizes the Emergency Response Protocols.

Conducts tests and drills to increase efficiencies in accordance with the Emergency Response Guide and Fire Safety Protocols (e.g., Fire Drills, Medical Emergencies, Equipment Failure, Pandemic, and Youth Center Disruptions).

Ensures physical plant, sanitation, and hygiene standards are met through weekly inspections, work orders, and ongoing monitoring. Ensure adherence to DYS Policy 9.8, in regard to Critical Incidents.

Ensures staff are assigned to appropriate post assignments, according to the Youth Center staffing plan and minimum staff to youth ratios and is properly using body worn cameras.

Ensures staff are properly positioned and available to intervene early in behavior outside of DYS Behavior Expectations and to respond to crises.

Ensures staff 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.

Authorizes and oversees the use and removal of mechanical restraints and Seclusion.

Participates in, oversees, and monitors student Individual Growth and Change Plans or other agreed-upon Safety and Behavioral Agreements.

Provides direct security coverage when necessary or as directed. Ensures staff complete inspections and/or Youth Center searches as per DYS Policy and Quality Assurance Standards for Facilities.

Reports and records all discrepancies to the Administration. Ensures the initiation and implementation of safety contracts, safety planning, and notification to mental health personnel.

Actively supervises to support the prevention of sexual contact in the Youth Center and promote adherence to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

This includes proper SAB/VV/VAB (Sexually/Violently Aggressive Behavior/Vulnerability to Victimization (SAB/VV) Risk Assessment Tool) risk assessment or reassessment.

Internal Quality Control - Review all incidents that occur within the youth center are written within the guidelines of DYS Policy.

Will supervise and oversee accurate documentation of those incidents and provide feedback to the formal supervisors as needed.

This position will also ensure that all staff are reporting incidents that meet criteria for abuse or neglect within the guidelines of DYS Policy.

Will report directly to youth center administration on all findings whenever it is discovered that the youth center is out of compliance in any of the above areas.

Catalogs and organizes all videos and collaborates with the Youth Center Administration to assist in reviewing videos for CPO, Ombudsman, or other abuse allegations.

Collaborates with the Youth Center Rights Coordinator to assist in video review concerning a youth’s rights violation.

Works alongside the PREA Compliance Coordinator and Compliance Manager to review video footage and gather information for internal investigations.

Organizational Accountability - Through all communications and behaviors demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive, and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center. Communicates with internal/external stakeholders, residents, staff, and co-workers in a professional manner. Adheres to the CDHS Code of Conduct, the Sanctuary 7 Commitments, and supports the 5 Key Strategies. Be informed of and adhere to CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, and QAYS Youth Center Standards. Completes other duties as assigned and follows supervisors' requests and directives, within Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS, and DYS Policies and Procedures. This position is required to role-model, coach, teach, and enforce staff adherence to all the above. Attends training classes for all DYS mandatory training subjects and professional development training (as available/ required) to accumulate annual hours necessary as described in Policy. Attends other training as requested or required by the Administration. Completes Department mandatory quarterly training as assigned through the Cornerstone online system.

Other Duties as Assigned - Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

*** Please read the entire job announcement and follow all of the instructions prior to completing the application. You must provide documentation to be given credit for it. There will be no exceptions on timelines to provide documentation. All documentation must be uploaded- this is the first evaluation in the selection process***

Note:
Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification for the position. If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will also be used as part of the examination process. You should ensure that your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum and preferred qualifications, as well as the job duties and the highly desired competencies. Take the time to adequately address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

Substitutions:

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

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.

• Relevant years of state service experience.

Highly Desirable Competencies

• Skilled in conflict management.

• Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.

• Sound judgment and decision making skills.

• Self control, composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.

• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully

• Ability to identify and act on changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.

• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible method.

Conditions of Employment:

• Full Background - CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers).
• Motor Vehicle Check , if the position will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted CO Driver's License.
• Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts
• Travel – Transportation of youth in state vehicles, Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• Flu and other state-mandatory vaccinations are required.

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s prior State employment.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained.

At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority.

The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether I am selected.


Appeal Rights:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Additional Information

How to Apply

Need help with your application? Click here.

The Assessment Process


For additional recruiting questions, please contact brennon.watts@state.co.us.


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.

Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

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.


~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~


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