This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies
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 numerous 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.
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
Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!
CDHSCareers
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Summary of the Position:
This job exists as a formal supervisory position dedicated to overseeing and providing supervision for direct care Youth Services Security Officers. This is accomplished through the supervision of subordinate series FTE and/or through direct provision of the service. Routinely manages: scheduling of staff, movement of juveniles, oversees admissions/releases, orientation (for both staff and youth), security/control functions, educational support services, daily programming, recreation, meals, medical referral and follow-up, and customer service. Responsible to identify, report, document and intervene in subordinate staff performance concerns, when necessary. Responsible to model, uphold and ensure compliance with DYS (Division of Youth Services) Policy and QAYS DYS Compliance Standards by subordinate staff. Member of Youth Center Leadership Team responsible for integrating goals and principles of trauma responsiveness/Sanctuary Model, DYS Strategic Plan, and other programmatic initiatives of the Division.
Performance Management
-
Must display knowledge and skill in supervision of subordinate staff whose work involves providing for the safe, secure and trauma responsive direct care of pre-adjudicated and adjudicated youth in a locked setting
-
Must teach, lead, inform, monitor, and coach subordinate staff as they complete necessary (daily) assigned tasks
-
Must ensure timeliness and quality of work activity by subordinates. Supervises subordinate positions by verbal or written directives, documents and/or records performance concerns, and applies the Reflective Supervision model in monthly individual meetings with employees
-
Must understand programming intent and structure and be able to supervise to these expectations. Oversight and quality control of intake and/or release of youth
-
Provides support, feedback, coaching and training of employees working the shift, including sharing supervisory information in a manner that reflects the Sanctuary 7 Commitments.
-
Completes performance management evaluations (PMPs), Position Descriptions and other required personnel documentation consistent with CDHS and DYS Policy with guidance from Facility Administration
-
Evaluates staff performance, determines appropriate rating for PMP
-
Determines appropriate level of response to staff performance deficits and recommends appropriate steps of action in the progressive discipline process
-
Identifies strengths and goals for staff and provides professional development opportunities as needed
Personnel and Supervision-
Participates in the hiring process and assists with staff retention through attentive and responsive onboarding, orientation, Reflective Supervision, and quality delivery of the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
-
Reviews, updates and suggests procedural, scheduling and/or other operational changes. Plan, support and direct professional development of staff
-
Trains staff on relevant policies and procedures. Ensures subordinate staff completes all required annual training and ongoing professional development training (as available)
-
Resolves informal staff grievances. Provide formal/informal performance feedback. Initiate progressive discipline, in accordance with Personnel Board Rules, CDHS Policy, and DYS Policy, with Appointing Authority Approval
-
Assigns duties to staff within their job classification. Provides direct supervision of CYSO I and CYSO II staff. Conducts monthly formal Reflective Supervision sessions with subordinate staff
-
Provides supervision, coaching, and mentoring to direct care staff, including recognizing staff strengths as well as identifying and assisting staff in areas of performance improvement
-
Supervises and leads staff in a professional manner
-
Determines with Administrative oversight unit assignments for CYSO I and CYSO II
-
Determines in accordance with policy and procedure when assigned staff can be given time off and arranges coverage for staff who are absent
-
Oversees hiring panel and recommends prospective staff for hiring
-
Recommends issuance of corrective and disciplinary actions based upon State Personnel Board Rules and DYS policy
-
Responsible for decisions regarding structuring of the training schedule to accomplish the goals of the facility training program (FTO)
Safety and Security/Emergency-
Employs sound judgment and emotional control when dealing with crisis and determining approach and/or resolution
-
Utilizes the Emergency Response Protocols. Conducts tests and drills to increase efficiencies in accordance with the Emergency Response Guide and Fire Safety Protocols (e.g. Fire Drills, Medical Emergencies, Equipment Failure, Pandemic, and Facility Disruptions)
-
Ensures physical plant, sanitation, and hygiene standards are met, through weekly inspections, work orders, and ongoing monitoring
-
Ensure adherence to DYS Policy 9.8, in regards to Critical Incidents
-
Assists and oversees Shift Supervisor duties
-
Ensures staff are assigned to appropriate post assignments, according to facility staffing plan and minimum staff to youth ratios
-
Ensures staff are properly positioned and available to intervene early in behavior outside of DYS Behavior Expectations and to respond to crises
-
Ensures staff 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
-
Authorizes and oversees the use and removal of mechanical restraints and Seclusion. Participates in, oversees, and monitors student Individual Growth and Change Plans or other agreed upon Safety and Behavioral Agreements. Provides direct security coverage when necessary or as directed
-
Ensures staff complete inspections and/or facility searches as per DYS Policy and Quality Assurance Standards for Facilities
-
Reports and records all discrepancies to Administration. Ensures the initiation and implementation of safety contracts, safety planning and notification to mental health personnel
-
Actively supervises to support prevention of sexual contact in the facility and promote adherence to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards
-
This includes proper SAB/VV/VAB risk assessment or reassessment
-
Recommends or authorizes initial unit lockdown when there is a possible breach of security or safety
-
Recommends or authorizes use of seclusion for individual residents pursuant to policy and best practice
-
Conducting searches, this position determines the need and appropriate ways for full searches, personal searches, and room searches to be conducted for detection of dangerous contraband such as weapons, drugs, matches, etc
Programming-
Responsible to supervise and maintain youth center programming
-
Ensures all program activities are completed and documented
-
Leads and role models the consistent implementation of trauma responsive tools and interventions, the DYS Strategic Plan, and the DYS Treatment Model
-
Actively and with positive engagement implements and follows facility programming
-
Models, supervises, teaches, trains, coaches, and enforces proper implementation of the facility’s behavior management program in a positive and professional manner
-
Leads and trains staff in how to facilitate daily Problem Solving Groups, Sanctuary Psycho-educational Groups, and other skills-based/educational groups
-
Provides on the floor, in the moment coaching of staff in Safe Correctional Practices, Trauma Informed Care, and how to establish and build 1:1 rapport
-
Enforces established safety and security rules and adherence to DYS Safe Practices
-
Supervises and directs daily living and leisure activities. Ensures youth receive orientation to the agency and living unit rules, procedures and routines
-
Ensures all basic rights and needs of youth are satisfied and that dignity and respect is demonstrated for all youth regardless of ethnicity, gender, religious or sexual preference
-
Reviews Minor Rule Violations and approves proper interventions
-
Ensures youth complete assigned interventions
-
Ensures Minor and Major Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy. Conducts Major Rule Violation Hearings and provides constructive feedback to staff writing incident reports
-
Upholds due process requirements and implementation of Restorative Community Justice (RCJ) and interventions for all youth
-
Responds to and resolves youth grievances
-
Act as first public contact with agency when necessary
-
Act as Facility Supervisor, guiding all operations when Director and Assistant Director are off-site Monitor safety and security of volunteer/contractor activities and vocational programming
-
Ensure positive relationships with teachers and administrators and support educational initiatives or practices
-
Decides best intervention that both holds youth accountable and employs a trauma responsive approach
-
Determines rewards and interventions in accordance with the behavior management program, policies and procedures
-
Identifies and implements appropriate RCJ interventions
Documentation/Quality Control-
Supervises and oversees accurate documentation of all daily facility operations, to include assisting in reviewing, writing, training and implementation of DYS Policies and QAYS Facility Standards
-
Ensures completion of documentation for facility and youth searches
-
Ensures completion of documentation for all unit activities and relevant information on applicable log(s)
-
Ensures proper documentation of Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM), Individual and Group Growth and Change Plans, NDR status, Seclusion, and Medical Watch, as per DYS Policy
-
All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to the prevailing statute
-
Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youth’s file (hard copy) and the TRAILS database
-
Documents the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate. This documentation shall include the notification of all internal and external parties
-
Perform shift briefings with oncoming staff as required
-
Reviews and ensures all meal tracking sheets are completed accurately
-
Completes all documentation as required and/or directed by established deadlines
-
Determines the appropriate level of documentation for various situations
-
Develops action plans and follow up in response to QAYS Compliance Review deficiencies
Organizational Accountability-
Attends training classes for all DYS mandatory training subjects and professional development training (as available/ required) to accumulate annual hours necessary as described in Policy
-
Attends other training as requested or required by the Administration. Completes Department mandatory quarterly training as assigned through the Cornerstone online system
-
Through all communications and behaviors demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility
-
Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner
-
Adheres to the CDHS Code of Conduct, the Sanctuary 7 Commitments, and supports the 5 Key Strategies
-
Be informed of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, and QAYS Facility Standards
-
Adheres to State Personnel Board Rules, and CDHS and DYS Policy 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 Supervisor, this position is required to role-model, coach, teach and enforce staff adherence to all the above
-
Determining which policies and procedures apply to the specific situations
-
Decides when and how to confront youth and subordinate staff behavior while maintaining positive and respectful work culture
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.
Please update your application if changes pertain to your work and/or education history.
Current employees: If you do not update the work experience section of your application, you will not be given credit for your current State experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:-
High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
-
Three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions:
Corrections-related experience is defined as the custody and control of a detained or adjudicated population and/or experience as a POST Certified Officer, or Military Law Enforcement.
Highly Desirable Characteristics:
-
Ability to work effectively with key stakeholders, achieving consensus, resolving communication problems, influencing, and managing competing interests.
-
Ability to work well with constituents regardless of position and authority, contribute to governing boards and committees, and adhere to clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
-
Flexibility in leadership through performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial, or administrative management, policy, and program issues.
-
Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment.
-
Proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals.
-
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and public speaking skills.
-
Ability to problem solve and execute decisions.
-
Ability to work in a complex political environment.
-
Self-motivated
-
Positive role model
-
Teamwork
Preferred Qualifications: The preferred candidate will demonstrate experience in the following areas:
-
Experience in program and/or project development
-
Training and Facilitation experience
-
Training Development experience
-
Supervisory/management experience
-
Proven experience in overseeing and executing data-driven performance management and outcome-based systems and initiatives.
-
Previous experience working with a complex juvenile/high risk youth population.
-
Proven experience in policy analysis, development, and implementation.
-
Relevant years of State service experience
Lived Experience:
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is committed to hiring individuals who are professional 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 with "lived experience" to apply. Lived experience comes from the personal knowledge and understanding that many possess by virtue of first-hand experience with mental health, substance abuse, systems involvement and traumatic events. Lived experience brings unique knowledge, insights and perspectives that are invaluable for organizational growth, increased sensitivity to the youth and families we serve, and new ideas and inspiration for improving service delivery.
-
Note:Lived experience will not substitute for the minimum qualifications for this position.
Conditions of Employment:
-
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 Colorado Driver's License.
-
Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts
-
Travel – Transportation of youth in state vehicles, Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
-
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.
-
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
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 (Download PDF reader).
You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
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 Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.
How to Apply
Need help with your application? Click here.
The Assessment Process
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
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
