Security Operations Administrator - Division of Youth Services

Security Operations Administrator - Division of Youth Services

Salary

$96,852.00 - $154,968.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IKA 05693 08/31/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OCYF (Office of Children, Youth & Families)

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/14/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

4255 South Knox Court Denver, CO 80236

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Isaac.Phelps@state.co.us

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

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.

Division of Youth Services - Central Administration

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 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.

Description of Job

Summary of Work Unit:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) Director's Office includes all Central Division administration activities and responsibilities related to the management and oversight of youth centers for both detained and committed youth. In addition, DYS administers a community-based system that includes case management and parole services and Colorado Youth Detention Curriculum (CYDC) detention based services. The Director's Office maintains responsibility for the following administrative functions: establishing and monitoring standards for service; developing policies and procedures and auditing programs and services for compliance; developing and allocating resources for programs and providing administrative systems to support programs, such as data, financial management, and contracting systems; developing and implementing short-term and long-term planning initiatives to address DYS's current and future program and resource needs. This unit has an instrumental role in the implementation of a healthy, trauma-responsive environment across all DYS programs.

Summary of the position:

This position serves as Security Operations Administrator for all Division of Youth Services facilities. The position assists in defining agency goals and objectives around safety and security, and administers facility operations for juvenile correctional facilities (e.g., safety, security, Critical Incident Management, youth transfers, security threat groups, use of force, key control,etc.). The position serves as the subject matter expert and owner of all safety and security practices statewide for DYS youth centers, ensuring best practices are used for youth and staff safety.

Job Duties:

Develop and Administer Youth Center Security Operations Statewide:

Define agency goals and objectives around safety and security and develop, modify, revise, and implement Division policy for all subject areas related to safety and security. Revise existing policies and create more detailed protocols for security practices to ensure uniformity of application across the Division, outlining all expectations at the granular level. Areas of expertise include but are not limited to: perimeter security inspections, control center operations, youth supervision, physical responses by employees, screening of visitors are entry, use of protective devices, count policies, reporting critical incidents, searches of youth, employees, and youth center areas, secure transports, abuse reporting, video monitoring and surveillance, and body-worn cameras. Travel to DYS facilities and consult with staff in assigned security areas. Assist in preparing facilities for audits and assessments in assigned security areas. Assist staff in development of corrective action plans related to security.

Collaborate with the Training Academy to develop Curricula for Pre-Service and Ongoing Training

Collaborate with the training academy to develop and revise the training curriculum for pre-service and ongoing training for all DYS staff related to security within youth centers. Decide what topics and content must be covered in the training academy, and work with training academy staff to develop that content.

Post-Incident Analysis for Critical Incidents in Youth Centers

Review high profile critical incidents across DYS youth centers and provide post-incident analysis of security procedures used and whether they were used appropriately. Evaluate whether employees complied with DYS security policy. If employees complied with policy and the incident outcome was not favorable, evaluate statewide security procedures to adjust as needed.

Other Duties as Required

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

• Nine (9) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

~Or~

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience working in or overseeing security operations within a secure residential, prison, jail, juvenile justice, or detention facility.
• Demonstrated experience developing, writing, and implementing security policies or standard operating procedures across multiple facilities.
• Experience conducting post-incident reviews, root-cause analyses, or after-action investigations and translating findings into corrective action plans.
• Expert knowledge of security technologies used in secure facilities, such as control center operations, key control, video monitoring and surveillance systems, and body-worn cameras.
• Working knowledge of relevant licensing body regulations, and state or federal regulations related to corrections operations, such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), American Correctional Association (ACA), and Juvenile Justice Reform Act
• Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
• Travel - Position is responsible for safety and security procedures at 12 youth centers across the state, including the Denver metro area, Brighton, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junctions. The expectation for this position is that they are present at DYS youth centers 4-5 days a week, including youth centers outside the Denver metro area. Travel outside Denver area is expected about 30-40% of the time.
• 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.
• 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 Divisions decision on whether a candidate is selected.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your 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.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

• Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

• A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
• You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review

• After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

• Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
• If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

• Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

• By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, 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.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.Phelps@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join 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. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. 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 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

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• 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.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• 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.

ADA Accommodations

• CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

• This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

• We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

• If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

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 agencys 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

Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your experience developing or revising security policies, post orders, or standard operating procedures for a secure facility. How did you ensure those procedures were applied consistently and uniformly across different sites, shifts, or teams?

03

Describe a time you conducted a post-incident or after-action review of a critical incident. What was your process for evaluating whether staff followed policy, and how did you translate your findings into changes to procedures, training, or practice?

04

Describe a situation where you had to balance maintaining safety with protecting the rights, dignity, and developmental needs of youth or inmates. What did you do and what was the outcome?

05

This role requires serving as a subject matter expert in security operations and working with leadership staff at multiple facilities. Describe your approach to gaining buy-in and influencing change when you do not have direct supervisory authority over the staff you are working with.

06

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

07

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

08

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).

09

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.

Required Question

Employer 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/