Youth Services Specialist II (YSSII) / Activities Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is open only to Colorado state residents

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Physical Job location: Gilliam Youth Services Center2844 North Downing St.

Denver, CO 80205

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.

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.

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Requirements

Department Information

About Division of Youth ServicesThis work unit exists to provide for the direct care, safety, and security of pre-adjudicated or adjudicated youth in the Division of Youth Services custody using a trauma-responsive approach.

The unit exists to provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week care and supervision of youth in secure residential placement covering work assignments ranging from Admissions and Control, school and day programming, and detention, assessment, and commitment (long-term treatment) living units.

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is committed to hiring individuals who are professionals, team players, 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.

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: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

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 Youth Center program using a trauma responsive approach.

To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and Youth Center specific procedure.

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 CYSOIs

Safety/Security: Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure 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/Youth Center 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 youth and staff.

Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.

Reinforce 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, 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 youth identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the youth’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 Youth Center 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 prevention of sexual contact in the Youth Center, adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

Activities Services: Provides therapeutic and habilitative services and supports to youth in custody, implements and documents objectives and achievements as identified by the Individual Plans of persons served.

Develops, organizes, and leads program activities which promote a level of social, cognitive, emotional and behavioral growth of youth in care.

This may include the development of high incentive programs and running psychoeducation or skill-building groups as well as coaching and instructing others on successful group strategies.

All therapeutic programs are monitored ongoing and initiation of necessary changes are implemented quickly to ensure programs are progressing.

Participates in interdisciplinary/collaborative team process, discussing individual objectives, successes and areas for growth Lead Collaborative Review Team processes as needed.

Assists in the development of individual growth and change plans; submits draft of written program plans for final approval by the supervisor.· Ensures facilitation of safe transportation of participants to work area, program area, medical appointments and community activities as well as taking an active part in vocational training.

Schedule and facilitate monthly Sanctuary Meetings, take meeting minutes and send distribute meeting minutes to all staff. Plan and prepare activities for non-school days, including holidays.

Establish a level-based incentive program.

General Programming: Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the facility behavioral management program.

Create, conduct, and track psycho-educational groups focused on a trauma responsive environment, restorative practices, and Dialectical Behavior Treatment to support a safe environment conducive to learning.

Process with youth. Engage in the process for program implementation to align with Division initiatives and youth center strategic plan goals.

Observe, monitor, detect, record and report problem behaviors. Communicate expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements. Role model prosocial behaviors for youth.

Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances.

Support restorative community justice principles and/or activities. Support DYC initiatives and strategies as it relates to juvenile programming and crisis intervention.

Objectively and fairly monitor, record youth behaviors, and intervene according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.

Follow a daily program schedule based on prevailing standards.

Recognize, implement, monitor, observe and document juvenile IGCP (Individual Growth and Change Plan) in accordance with the written program.

Recommend any modifications of program to supervisory and/or clinical staff. Facilitate and monitor cleanup of pod and rooms, inspect, according to daily schedule.

Monitor and ensure juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedure. Assist in Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT) Program as part of the DYS Treatment Model.

The activities specialist will work closely with staff, facility administration, program manager and behavior health staff in the implementation and sustainability of DBT.

Documentation/Recording and Reporting: Documents observations of youth behavior and response to program(s). Completes documentation of Youth Center and youth searches.

Documents all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log.

Records Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) and Special Management Program (SMP) Status and Medical Watch based on the assigned time intervals or frequency for the specific youth.

Completes Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff. Documents daily youth behavior observations. Documents all youth group activities in the TRAILS database.

Generates and documents Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy. Notify and complete all forms relevant to youth incident reports. Observe and document youth behaviors on Seclusion status.

Document and report youth behavioral transgressions and recommend interventions to supervisory staff. Report and document any Youth Center deficiencies or safety concerns.

Document meal distribution on the daily meal tracking sheet(s). All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing statute.

Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youth’s file (hard copy) and the TRAILS database.

Inventory and record youth property during admission, any or all releases and any other access or change to that property. Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate.

This documentation shall include the notification of all internal and external parties. Generate and record all VINE information in the TRAILS database, unless otherwise directed.

Complete and record accurate youth room classification information pursuant to DYS Policy. Notify and communicate all relevant youth information to the receiving unit staff.

Complete, record and provide all necessary youth information on the Critical Information Advisement form and provide it to all receiving parties.

Ensures Columbia Assessment is completed within one hour of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth. Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions.

Organizational Accountability: Through all communications and behaviors the employee demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center.

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.

The activities specialist will send out emails monthly with a calendar of events for the month, staff tools, Sanctuary Theme of the month, program theme of the month and RCJ theme.

A DBT calendar with events and groups that will be provided each month will also go out to all youth center staff.

All groups will be documented on group sheets and entered into the Trails Database for tracking.

Activities Specialists will track all RCJ hours, groups and programming and submit a monthly report at the end of each month to facility administration.

Activities Specialists will also be involved and co-facilitate Sanctuary Core Team meetings on a monthly basis and will assist in additional programming for non school days.

The activities specialist will also engage in the Collaborative Review Team on a weekly basis and support in the creation of individual programming or group programming as needed.

Training: Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training. Maintain required certifications as appropriate. Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill. Meet and keep current on all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy. Successfully complete DYS Pre-Service, Youth Center Training and Orientation process as a new employee. Maintain and support the Division’s prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies. As a lead worker, ensure training standards are met and/or provides professional development of CYSOIs. Facilitates and/or co-facilitates team meetings, as needed

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 qualifications 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)
• One (1) 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.

Work Environment:
Employees are required to work shift hours. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary between agencies and may include eight (8) hours, ten (10) hours, or twelve (12) hours in duration. Mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is not usually available. As a Correctional Youth Security Officer, your position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather.


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).

Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.

Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License

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.

Shift Work, subject to assigned Shift

Travel: Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.

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.

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.

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 acknowledgment 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

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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