Youth Services Specialist -Gilliam Youth Services Center - Denver

Department Information

Division:
Youth Services (DYS)

Location:

Gilliam Youth Services Center, 2844 North Downing St., Denver, CO 80205

Work shift:

Night (multiple vacancies may be filled – full‑time and part‑time)

This direct‑care/essential role provides direct and engaging supervision of youth in DYS State‑Operated Secure Facilities. The role includes safety/security, youth center programming, documentation/recording, training, and organizational accountability. Overtime may be required on a rotating basis based on business needs.

• Safety/Security – provide safety, security and supervision; enforce behavioral management plans; perform crisis intervention; use de‑escalation and physical restraints when necessary; debrief incidents; and conduct searches.
• Youth Center Programming – implement and follow the Youth Center’s behavioral management program; teach, coach, and redirect youth; support DYS initiatives and crisis intervention strategies.
• Documentation/Recording and Reporting – record observations of youth behavior; log unit activities and required information in appropriate systems; document all group activities.
• Organizational Accountability – demonstrate and support a positive cultural climate; adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and policies.
• Training – complete DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Youth Center training, orientation, and ongoing online training.

• High school diploma or GED.
• None for substitutions.
• Willingness and ability to physically intervene with assaultive youth.
• Physical ability to climb stairs, stand for the duration of shift, and perform job duties on multiple floors.
• Valid, unrestricted Colorado driver’s license.
• Minimum age 21 years; no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.

• College education in behavioral health or juvenile justice.
• Experience with adjudicated or detained youth in a secure residential facility or behavioral health setting.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups and working with adolescents who have trauma.
• Experience mentoring or coaching youth in positive leadership roles.
• Experience with verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

• Conflict management skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Self‑control, composure, and ability to manage stressful situations.
• Clear verbal communication and willingness to do so respectfully.
• Ability to identify and act on changes, hazards, or potential security breaches and communicate pertinent information.
• Ability to record information accurately in a written, factual, concise, and legible manner.

Employees are required to work shift hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary between eight, ten, or twelve hours. Mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is generally unavailable. The role is considered essential; employees may be required to report during inclement weather.

• Full background checks (CBI, ICON, Medicare fraud, reference checks, licensure verification, drug screen, PREA, Trails, CAPS).
• Minimum age 21 and no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license required.
• Shift work and travel to trainings or alternate sites required.
• Successful completion of DYS Pre‑Service Training Academy, Field Training Program, and mandatory annual training required for continued employment.
• Flu and other state‑mandatory vaccinations required.
• Diana Screen® sexual risk screening administered to all applicants seeking positions of trust with children and teens.

If eliminated from consideration, an appeal may be filed with the State Personnel Board or requested review by the State Personnel Director. Appeals must be submitted in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the notice.

Submit applications through the official CDHS portal. Provide required documentation as instructed. For assistance, contact

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.