Youth Program Specialist-YRTC-Kearney

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Kearney NE

Hiring Rate:

$27.320

Job Posting:

JR2026- Youth Program Specialist-YRTC-Kearney (Evergreen) (Open)

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

Job Description:

Make a Real Impact as a Youth Program Specialist
Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center Kearney Nebraska
At the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney action speaks louder than words and your actions can change a life.
As a Youth Program Specialist youll play a hands-on role in empowering young people to discover their strengths build confidence and move toward brighter futures. This isnt just a job its a purpose-driven career where each day brings an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Why This Work Matters

Youll walk alongside youth with complex behaviors on their journey toward healing growth and stability. Through structure mentorship and compassion youll help youth develop the skills and mindset needed to become successful law-abiding citizens.

Our Mission:

Help youth live better lives through effective services giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens.
If youre passionate about positively influencing future generations this is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.

What We Offer You

We support the people who support our youth. Enjoy outstanding benefits job security and a team that feels like family.
156% state-matched retirement one of the best in the nation
13 paid holidays generous leave starting immediately
Medical dental and vision insurance
$20000 employer-paid life insurance
Tuition reimbursement & professional development
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Fun mission-driven and supportive team environment
Job stability in public service

As a Youth Program Specialist you will:

• 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

Requirements / Qualifications:

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 drivers license.

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

Knowledge & Skills That Help You Succeed:

• 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 documentto 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 youre currently employed by the State of Nebraska please dont apply through this external career site. Instead log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: 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. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

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: Opportunity Statement

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.