Youth Services Specialist II (YSSII) Activities Specialist

This position is open only to Colorado state residents

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Physical Job location: Gilliam Youth Services Center2844 North Downing St.

Denver CO 80205

CDHSCareers

Department Information

About Division of Youth Services
This work unit exists to provide for the direct care safety and security of pre-adjudicated or adjudicated youth in the Division of Youth Services custody using a trauma-responsive approach. The unit exists to provide 24-hour seven-day-a-week care and supervision of youth in secure residential placement covering work assignments ranging from Admissions and Control school and day programming and detention assessment and commitment (long-term treatment) living units.

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is committed to hiring individuals who are professionals team players and passionate about their desire to help youth. DYS values candidates who have demonstrated perseverance as a special attribute that can help the youth in our care. DYS encourages qualified candidates withlived experienceto apply.

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: of Job

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position is direct-care and essential. To maintain safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth to organize and direct daily living and leisure activities of youth in accordance with the living unit master schedule shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction. Provide corrective cognitive emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure Youth Center program using a trauma responsive approach. To be aware of and adhere 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

Safety/Security:Work involves providing the direct care safety security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location mobility and continual observation of youth. Enforce established security rules and behavior of a youth or a group of youth 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. Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises in a timely manner 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 youth identifies as transgender or intersex the search is to be conducted according to the youths stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy 13.9. Identify document and seize contraband as directed or appropriate. Check windows doors all aspects of locking mechanisms and Youth Center grounds to minimize escape risk. Assess and document suicidal medical escape risk special needs and room restrictions. Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and 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. When all other attempts to de-escalate youth have failed adhere to the approved physical management policy and protocols. 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 Behavior Agreements Growth and Change Plans). Monitor medical watches as instructed and required pursuant to timeframes noted on the Room Check Sheet(s). Actively supervise to support prevention of sexual contact in the Youth Center adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

Activities Services:Provides therapeutic and habilitative services and supports to youth in custody implements and documents objectives and achievements as identified by the Individual Plans of persons served. Develops organizes and leads program activities which promote a level of social cognitive emotional and behavioral growth of youth in care. This may include the development of high incentive programs and running psychoeducation or skill-building groups as well as coaching and instructing others on successful group strategies. All therapeutic programs are monitored ongoing and initiation of necessary changes are implemented quickly to ensure programs are progressing. Participates in interdisciplinary/collaborative team process discussing individual objectives successes and areas for growth Lead Collaborative Review Team processes as needed. Assists in the development of individual growth and change plans; submits draft of written program plans for final approval by the supervisor.
Ensures facilitation of safe transportation of participants to work area program area medical appointments and community activities as well as taking an active part in vocational training. Schedule and facilitate monthly Sanctuary Meetings take meeting minutes and send distribute meeting minutes to all staff. Plan and prepare activities for non-school days including holidays. Establish a level-based incentive program.

General Programming:Actively and with positive engagement implement and follow the facility behavioral management program. Create conduct and track psycho-educational groups focused on a trauma responsive environment restorative practices and Dialectical Behavior Treatment to support a safe environment conducive to learning. Process with youth. Engage in the process for program implementation to align with Division initiatives and youth center strategic plan goals. Observe monitor detect record and report problem behaviors. Communicate expectations for behavior events rules or other milieu requirements. Role model prosocial behaviors for youth. Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth overcome resistance to change communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances. Support restorative community justice principles and/or activities. Support DYC initiatives and strategies as it relates to juvenile programming and crisis intervention. Objectively and fairly monitor record youth behaviors and intervene according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences. Follow a daily program schedule based on prevailing standards. Recognize implement monitor observe and document juvenile IGCP (Individual Growth and Change Plan) in accordance with the written program. Recommend any modifications of program to supervisory and/or clinical staff. Facilitate and monitor cleanup of pod and rooms inspect according to daily schedule. Monitor and ensure juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedure. Assist in Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT) Program as part of the DYS Treatment Model. The activities specialist will work closely with staff facility administration program manager and behavior health staff in the implementation and sustainability of DBT.

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 Special Management Program (SMP) 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 daily youth behavior observations. Documents all youth group activities in the TRAILS database. Generates and documents Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy. Notify and complete all forms relevant to youth incident reports. Observe and document youth behaviors on Seclusion status. Document and report youth behavioral transgressions and recommend interventions to supervisory staff. Report and document any Youth Center deficiencies or safety concerns. Document meal distribution on the daily meal tracking sheet(s). All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing statute. Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youths 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 property. Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate. This 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 it to all receiving parties. Ensures Columbia Assessment is 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 the 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 ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity. Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct the 7 Commitments and support the 5 Key Strategies. To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards CDHS Policy DYS Policy and DYS Audit Standards. Adheres to CDHS DYS Policy and Procedures regarding work schedule timekeeping and leave practices. Completes other duties as assigned and follows supervisors requests and directives within Colorado Revised Statutes CDHS and DYS Policies and Procedures. As a Work Lead role-models coaches teaches and enforces staff adherence to all the above. The activities specialist will send out emails monthly with a calendar of events for the month staff tools Sanctuary Theme of the month program theme of the month and RCJ theme. A DBT calendar with events and groups that will be provided each month will also go out to all youth center staff. All groups will be documented on group sheets and entered into the Trails Database for tracking. Activities Specialists will track all RCJ hours groups and programming and submit a monthly report at the end of each month to facility administration. Activities Specialists will also be involved and co-facilitate Sanctuary Core Team meetings on a monthly basis and will assist in additional programming for non school days. The activities specialist will also engage in the Collaborative Review Team on a weekly basis and support in the creation of individual programming or group programming as needed.

*** Please read the entire job announcement and follow all of the instructions prior to completing the application. You must provide documentation to be given credit for it. There will be no exceptions on timelines to provide documentation. All documentation must be uploaded- this is the first evaluation in the selection process***

Note:
Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications your application will also be used as part of the examination process. You should ensure that your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum and preferred qualifications as well as the job duties and the highly desired competencies. Take the time to adequately address your specialized experience work products and accomplishments as they relate to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• One (1) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.

• Skilled in conflict management.
• Strong work ethic integrity and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Self-control composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully
• Ability to identify and act on changes inappropriate activity hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written factual concise and legible method.

• Full Background. CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons):
  CBI name check and fingerprint check ICON Colorado court database Medicare fraud database Reference Checks Professional License verification (licensure requirements) Drug Screen PREA (Division of Youth Services) Trails check (direct contact with children) CAPS (direct contact with adults Mental Health Institutes Regional Centers Veterans Community Living Centers).
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Must possess a valid unrestricted U.S. Drivers License
• 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.
• Shift Work subject to assigned Shift
• Travel: Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.
• 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 I am selected.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position (3) provide the employee number from the applicants 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.

Appeal Rights:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email () postmarked in US Mail 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 acknowledgment of the departments action.

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions please contact @.

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference consider joining the dedicated people of theColorado 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 addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work we offer:

• Strong secure yet flexible retirement benefits including aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Planplus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplementedHealth Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• BenefitHubstate employee discount program

• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe

• 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. For more

information go to Values:

We believe in a people-first approach:To serve the people of Colorado we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized inspired and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

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.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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 including completing the application process interviewing completing any pre-employment testing participating in the employee selection process and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator Nancy Schmelzer at or call 1-.

THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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