Youth Services Specialist - Pueblo Youth Services Facility

Position:
Youth Specialist (Correctional Youth Security Officer) – District 15 secure facilities, Pueblo, CO. Role involves direct care, supervision, and programming of adjudicated and pre‑adjudicated youth in secure facilities.

This direct‑care/essential role provides supervision, programming, documentation, training, and organizational accountability in DYS secure facilities. Positions may require overtime, shift work, and travel.

• Ensure safety and security of youth, intervene in crisis situations, use de‑escalation and physical restraint when necessary.
• Supervise daily youth activities, youth orientation, and support behavioral management plans.
• Develop and implement Youth Center programming, teach, coach, and redirect youth.
• Document observations, maintain logs, and report incidents in required systems.
• Participate in training and orientation: DYS Pre‑Service Academy, Youth Center training, and ongoing online training.
• Demonstrate organizational accountability by upholding non‑violence, open communication, and the DYS culture.
• Assist with organizational policies, compliance standards, and CDHS Code of Conduct.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Physical ability to stand for approximately 8 hours, climb stairs, and physically intervene with assaultive youth.
• State residency at time of application and throughout employment.
• 21+ years of age, no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Successful completion of background checks (CBI, fingerprint, etc.).
• Valid Colorado driver’s license if vehicle travel required.

• College education in behavioral health, juvenile justice, or related field.
• Experience in secure residential facilities or behavioral health settings.
• Experience facilitating psycho‑educational groups, trauma work, or youth leadership.
• Verbal de‑escalation and motivational technique skills.
• State service experience.

• Conflict management skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and reliability.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making.
• Self‑control, composure, and stress management.
• Clear communication, both verbal and written.
• Ability to identify security risks and report them.
• Detail‑oriented documentation and reporting.

Shift work including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts range from 8 to 12 hours; overtime may be required. Work is on multiple levels; physical exertion and risk of assault are inherent.

Complete the online application, providing required documentation. All documentation must be uploaded before the deadline. Reviewed for minimum qualifications before further examination.

The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer. CDHS provides accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.