Youth Program Specialist

Join to apply for the Youth Program Specialist role at State of Nebraska.

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate: $27.32 per hour

Job Posting: JR Youth Program Specialist (Evergreen) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On: (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed)

Make a Real Impact as a Youth Program Specialist at the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney, Nebraska. As a Youth Program Specialist, you’ll play a hands‑on role in empowering young people, helping them develop skills and mindsets for success.

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You’ll walk alongside youth with complex behaviors on their journey toward healing, growth, and stability. Through structure, mentorship, and compassion, you’ll help youth develop the skills and mindset needed to become successful, law‑abiding citizens.

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"Help youth live better lives through effective services, giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens."

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• 156% state-matched retirement — one of the best in the nation
• 13 paid holidays + generous leave starting immediately
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fun, mission-driven, and supportive team environment
• Job stability in public service

• Supervise youth during daily routines and activities
• Facilitate life skills training, recreational programming, and therapeutic interactions
• Model positive behavior and maintain professional boundaries
• Document youth behaviors and progress
• Respond to crisis situations while ensuring safety
• Actively support individual growth plans in a team environment
• Occasionally transport youth as needed
• Maintain physical readiness, including walking, standing, occasional lifting, and intervening physically when necessary

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Qualifications: Coursework/training in social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development and the family, psychology, mental health care, education, social/behavioral sciences, human services or related area; OR experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing, or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families.

Experience working with youth/adolescents strongly preferred.

Other: This position requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Hiring rate of position is $27.32/hour plus shift differential for qualifying shifts. Second and 3rd shift available.

• Understanding of adolescent development, crisis intervention, and behavioral techniques
• Strong communication skills — especially when engaging with youth
• Ability to build purposeful, supportive relationships
• Skill in organizing work, observing behavior, and documenting progress
• Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations

The Department of Health and Human Services uses behavioral based questions when conducting interviews. Please review the attached document to learn more about the STAR Method, and how you can best prepare if you are selected for an interview!

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Children and Family Services, please visit our website, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./careers

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We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: #benefits

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.