Activity Specialist -Correctional Security Officer I - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

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Activity Specialist -Correctional Security Officer I - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

Salary

$4,697.00 Monthly

Location

Adams County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IKA 00969 01/03/2025

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OCYF - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

Opening Date

01/03/2025

Closing Date

1/19/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Prairie Vista Youth Service Center 192 Bromley Business Pkwy. Brighton, CO 80603

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Description

Benefits

Questions

Department Information

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!

About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, 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 fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of 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 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

Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Relevant years of state service

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 evening, night, weekend 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. 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.

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.

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.

Included in the background investigation is a current/previous employer check. Your current and previous employers within the last 10 years must be listed on your application even if the job duties are unrelated to Correctional Youth Security Officer I position. Incomplete employer information (address, phone, supervisor name) or omission of former employers may result in application disqualification.

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 ([email protected]), 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 tospb.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, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)

Need help with your application? Click here.

The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of theColorado 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 aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Planwww.copera.orgplus 401(k) and 457 plans

Medical and dental health plans

Employer supplementedHealth Savings Account

Paid life insurance

Short- and long-term disability coverage

11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

BenefitHubstate 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 tohttps://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 [email protected] or call 1-800-929-0791.

THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support)

My Why

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Do you posses a valid state issued Drivers License?

Yes

No

02

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

Yes I possess a High School Diploma or GED

No I do not possess a High School Diploma or GED

03

A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?

Yes

No

04

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number:

05

If you are a current or previous state employee, please provide the following information for each state job worked: the department, job title, and dates worked

06

Former State employees who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

07

Have you ever been terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary action or termination, or received disciplinary action?

Yes

No

08

If you have ever been terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or received disciplinary action, please explain the circumstances below.

09

Please tell us what level of education you currently have completed and the associated major based on the selections below.

Bachelor's degree with Major in (psychology, sociology or criminal justice major or similar field).

Associate's degree with Major in (psychology, sociology or criminal justice major or similar field).

Completed College Degree in unrelated field - Incomplete degree in related field

Completed HS/GED - Incomplete college degree in unrelated field

10

Years of experience working with at risk youth in a secure/staff secure setting or at risk population

2 + years of Direct Experience working with at risk youth in secure/staff secure type program.

1-2 years of Experience working with at risk youth secure/staff secure type program

six months to 1 year of experience working with an at risk population.

less then six months of experience working with an at risk population.

no experience working with an at risk population.

11

Please describe in detail where you were working with at risk youth in a secure/staff secure setting or at risk population from your application?

12

Years of Mentoring, Coaching , Intern or Volunteer work.

2+ years of experience

1-2 years experience

six months to 1 year of exp

less than six month

no experience

13

Years of Experience in the health and human services field and/or criminal justice field.

2+ years of experience

1-2 years of experience

six months to 1 year of experience

less than six months of experience

no experience

14

Please describe in detail where you have experience working in the health and human services field and/or criminal justice field from your application?

15

What languages do you speak?

Spanish

Other Languages

English Only

16

Please describe your experience working in residential treatment, mental health, law enforcement, and / or secure settings. Check all that apply:

Youth

Adult

Detention

Treatment

Residential Programs

Mental Health Facilities

Law Enforcement

Military

Social Work

Parole and Probation

17

Please indicate the other youth-specific experiences you bring to the table. Check all that apply:

Mentoring

Coaching

Educational Setting

Behavioral Intervention Programs

Restitution / Commitment Programs

Faith-Based Programs

Other

18

Our teams provide cognitive, emotional, and behavioral support to our youth both as a function of their daily interactions and through structured programming. Please indicate the areas where you have experience as the person responsible for delivering programming:

One-on-One Treatment

Group Treatment

Drug / Alcohol

RCJ

Educational

Social Skills

Anger Management

Evidence-Based Programs

Other

19

In order for our facilities to remain in compliance with State and Federal Laws, there may be times when we will need to hire based on gender to serve that particular population. Please indicate your gender below.

Male

Female

20

As a Youth Services Specialist I, you are the first to respond to a crisis call and observe one of your co-workers being physically assaulted by a youth. How do you proceed?

You use any means necessary to ensure the safety of your co-worker.

You stand by and wait for stronger, more agile co-workers to respond and intervene.

You assess the situation, ensure the remainder of the environment is safe/controlled, request additional assistance if necessary, and then use trained skills/techniques to minimize injury to both your co-worker and the youth.

You adhere to DYS Policy and the training you received specific to physically managing youth.

You ask other youth who may be present to assist you with controlling the assaultive youth as you wait for staff to respond.

21

What was your reasoning/rationale on picking the choice above?

22

As a Youth Services Specialist I, you are approached by a youth that is visibly agitated and making threats of physical harm towards others. How do you proceed?

You attempt to remove the youth from the audience, utilize verbal de-escalation strategies and if all attempts are unsuccessful, call for support and attempt an escort.

You immediately initiate a physical response.

You attempt to verbally de-escalate the youth by using Motivational Interviewing strategies.

You challenge the youth because you are in a position of authority.

You attempt to verbally de-escalate the youth and if unsuccessful, you ask for additional support from your co-workers and Behavioral Health Specialists.

23

What was your reasoning/rationale on picking the choice above?

24

As a Youth Services Specialist I, you observe a co-worker becoming overly forceful by responding to a youth using unapproved methods or inappropriate language. How do you proceed?

A) You immediately engage and assist your co-worker. You are aware that the youth is highly assaultive, and he/she probably did something to deserve it.

B) You immediately use trained interventions to disengage your co-worker from the situation, check on the youth's status, contact the medical care provider and report your observation to the Shift Supervisor.

C) You intervene by yelling at your co-worker, "You need to stop and get some fresh air. I will take care of this." Once the situation is controlled you return to your assigned post and go about your daily business.

D) You immediately intervene and "tap out" your co-worker, so he/she does not get into trouble.

E) You do nothing. It appears your co-worker is getting the situation under control and you do not want to step on his/her toes.

F) You run to the phone and immediately call the Colorado Child Abuse Hotline to report the facts of what you observed.

25

What was your reasoning/rationale on picking the choice above?

26

If you are a Veteran and you are requesting Veteran's Preference you must upload your DD-214 or VA letter to your application.

I am not a Veteran

I have uploaded my Veteran Preference documents (DD214 or VA letter)

I am a Veteran, but not requesting Veteran's preference

27

Do you prefer Part Time or Full Time?

28

Do you prefer Days, Evenings or Nights?

29

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

Yes

No

Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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