| Location | Brighton, CO |
Youth Services Specialist II (YSSII) - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
Salary
$6,097.00 Monthly
Location
Brighton, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 06119 11/06/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
Opening Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
11/22/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
192 Bromley Business Pkwy, Brighton, CO 80603, USA
Hiring Pay Rate
Shift Differential: 2nd shift = 7.5%, 3rd shift = 14%, Weekend = 20%
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
jazzma.gamboa@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.
Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at this location for different shifts
About the Division of Youth Services:
The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development. The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma-responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non-violent interactions.
DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, 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 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the 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 have many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.
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
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Our facility operates 24 hours a day across three shifts.
First shift (06:30-14:30) ; Second shift (14:30-22:30) ; Overnight (22:30-06:30)
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time
About the position:
This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. The youth security officer maintains safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth, organizing and directing daily living and leisure activities of youth, in accordance with the living unit master schedule, shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction. Additionally the security officer provides corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a youth center program using a trauma responsive approach and is aware of and adheres to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and youth center specific procedure. This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. This position functions as a Lead Worker, and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs. Duties in this position include:
Safety/Security:
Provide the direct care, safety, security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting
Enforce established security rules and behavioral expectations with a youth or group of youths, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/Youth Center and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations
Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations and employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all youth and staff.
Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy
Reinforce use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment
Monitor movement of youth in unit or through agency, escort and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency, conduct searches of persons, property or areas according to schedule or as needed
Ensure that pat searches, personal searches, and full searches are conducted by a same sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juveniles stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy, identify, document and seize contraband as directed or appropriate
Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, as well as youth center grounds and perimeter to minimize escape risk and promote safety. Inspect common areas and youth center living units to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
Monitors SPM status, or other special observation status of the youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and a strength based approach when interacting with youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner
Use conflict management and de-escalation skills and, in emergencies, when youth pose a serious, probable, imminent threat to self or others, use approved physical response techniques when all other interventions have failed
Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, use a strength-based approach, and interact with all youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner place youth on seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy
Monitor, participate, support and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans)
Actively supervise youth to prevent sexual contact and sexual harassment and adhere to all Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Policies and Federal Standards.
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
Ensures staff accountability for quality and quantity of work, and provides coaching, teaching, and mentoring of other employees
Facilitate FTO Training as assigned and role models adherence to DYS Policy and procedures at all times
Documents performance notes as well as provides input for performance management evaluations
Provides Shift Briefing and communication of pertinent information as it relates to youth and building needs, living unit areas, special status youth, high-risk youth, behavioral agreements and safety plans
Reviews and oversees the proper implementation of Juvenile Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) screening, Growth and Change Plans, Seclusion, Behavior Agreements and Safety Plans
Ensures adherence to all Fire, Safety, and Sanitation standards throughout the facility. Responds to, and provides solutions and coaching as needed to rectify emergency concerns
Ensures proper administration of medication according to QMAP standards and DYS Policy and Procedures and oversees after hours receipt of medication
Informs or refers juveniles and/or staff for medical care as needed or requested, provides notification, follow-up and other required/pertinent documentation, iIn the event of a medical emergency, provides medical attention and follow up as necessary
Assigns staff to post assignments as needed and uphold staffing patterns according to DYS Policy and Staffing Plan
Evaluates incidents, provides information to minimize assaultive behaviors by action planning and communicating pertinent information to all necessary parties
Responds to all codes and assesses/evaluates the situation and provides direction as needed, ensures provision of least restrictive alternatives and lowest level interventions
Ensures PREA Standards are upheld according to DYS Policy, this includes proper SAB/VV/VAB assessment or reassessment
Ensures the initiation and implementation of safety contracts, safety planning and notification to mental health personnel
Oversees all juvenile transports and assign staff to conduct transports as needed
Youth Center Programming:
Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the Youth Center behavioral management program. Teach, coach, and redirect youth within the behavior management program and role model prosocial behavior at all times.
Conducts processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning
Observes, monitors, detects, records and reports problem behaviors
Communicates expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements. Role model prosocial behaviors for youth
Uses prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, and communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances
Supports restorative community justice principles and/or activities. Supports DYS Strategic Plan and initiatives as they relate to juvenile programming, daily routines and crisis intervention
Objectively and fairly monitors, records youth behaviors, and intervenes according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.
Manages the adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities
Recognizes, implements, monitors, observes and documents compliance with Safety Plans, Behavior Agreements and Individual Growth and Change Plans) in accordance with the juvenile's written program
Recommends any modifications of the program to supervisory and/or clinical staff
Facilitates and monitors cleanup of pod and rooms, inspects, according to daily schedule. Monitors and ensures juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedures
Routinely and equitably distributes linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice
Ensures that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference.
Supports and/or facilitates youth to meet their presenting needs and address or satisfy their concerns. Upholds basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy
Supports and ensures that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards, youth condition and daily program schedule
Provides orientation for newly admitted youth within 24 hours of admission according to prevailing orientation standards as assigned
Provides support to educational programming as requested and assigned.
Documentation/Recording and Reporting:
Documents observations of youth behavior and response to program(s). Completes documentation of Youth Center and youth searches. Documents all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log
Records Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) and Individual Growth and Change Plan (IGCP) Status and Medical Watch based on the assigned time intervals or frequency for the specific youth. Completes Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff
Documents all youth group activities in the TRAILS database
Generates and document Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy. Notifies and completes all forms relevant to incident reports. Observes and documents youth behaviors on seclusion status
All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to State statute
Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youth's file (hard copy) and the TRAILS database
Inventory and record youth property during admission, any or all releases and any other access or change to that propert
Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate, documentation shall include the notification of all internal and external parties
Generate and record all VINE information in the TRAILS database, unless otherwise directed
Complete and record accurate youth room classification information pursuant to DYS Policy
Notify and communicate all relevant youth information to the receiving unit staff
Complete, record and provide all necessary youth information on the Critical Information Advisement form and provide to all receiving parties.
Ensure required suicide risk assessments are completed within one hour of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth
Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions
Organizational Accountability:
Through all communications and behaviors employee demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center
Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner; communicating with respect and dignity.
Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct and Sanctuary 7 Commitments and support the 5 Key Strategies
Be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Compliance Review Standards
Adheres to CDHS and DYS Policy regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices
Training:
Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training
Maintain physical ability to demonstrate required skills
Maintain required certifications as appropriate
Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill. Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy. Successfully completes DYS Pre-Service, Youth Center Training and Orientation process as a new employee
Maintain and support the Division's prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies.
As a lead worker, ensure training standards are met and/or provides professional development of CYSO, facilitates and/or co-facilitates team meetings, as needed.
Other Duties as Assigned:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED)
Two (2) years of professional experience in a secure detention facility or correctional environment
Substitutions:
Additional appropriate education in Criminal Justice, Human Services, Sociology or Counseling will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous state experience
Experience with risk juvenile populations
Experience working correctional environment
Working in a secure facility
Leading a team
Working with youth in a related field, i.e. teaching, coaching, rec center.
Conditions of Employment:
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
Need help with your application? Click here.
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Jazzma.Gamboa@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
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
At what point would you be required to utilize physical response with a youth in the custody of DYS?
02
How have you managed conflict with another employee in your past employment?
03
What are some key components to leading a team?
04
What are some ways that you have shown support to others in your past employment?
05
If you are a Veteran and you are requesting Veterans Preference you must upload your DD-214 or VA letter to your application.
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.
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.
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/