Youth Program Specialist II - Central Control - YRTC Kearney
State of Nebraska

Description
Who We Are: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is a state agency that, "Helps People Live Better Lives" every day encompassing our several divisions; Children and Family Services (CFS) includes our Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC-K) at Kearney. YRTC-K helps youth live better lives through effective services, giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens. For more information on YRTC: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/YRTC-Facilities.aspx DHHS State of Nebraska values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or genetics.

Location of position: YRTC-K 2802 30th Ave. Kearney, NE 68845

Work schedule: 6AM to 4PM or 2PM to midnight. Ten hour days, 4 on 3 off
Examples of Work
The Youth Program Specialist - Central Control, Monitors facility activity using security equipment and video surveillance in a central security communications center, monitors youth phone calls, documents findings, creates reports and enters information into databases including Sales force; Assists Youth Security Supervisors (OD) in gathering information through review of documentation and/or camera footage and/or youth interviews, reports and documents findings; Coordinates emergency responses for fire alarms, bomb threats, and similar situations by contacting emergency staff, evacuating buildings as necessary, and/or announcing severe weather warnings on a public address system; Dispatches staff in response to alarms and requests for assistance and coordinates responses with the appropriate emergency/security agencies, following established policies and procedures; Codes and issues building access cards; Runs daily and special reports, such as card access, alarm transactions, or cardholder listing reports, for requesting agencies. The Youth Program Specialist - Central Control may be required to work rotating shifts, and/or provide coverage in living units as needed, to include; Supervise youth in daily activities including school, recreation, and vocational assignments; Observe and document behavior, Respond to crisis situations, Assist in conducting youth searches, transporting and escorting youth, and serve as a role model to youth in recovery. Work will include physical stamina/strength, standing, walking, and occasional lifting and the ability to intervene as needed. The Youth Program Specialist - Central Control must work independently, and demonstrate flexibility to meet the emergent needs of the facility. Youth Program Specialists earn $16.010/hour plus shift differential. Our employees receive excellent benefits that include health insurance, retirement, and paid leave. In addition, many of our jobs are eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED: 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 with the juvenile or incarcerated population preferred; Experience in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, strongly preferred; Strong communication skills orally and in writing, and ability to work with a variety of people in a high stress setting preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: principles and practices of group and family systems theory; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques; adolescent growth and development; individual counseling theory and practice; adolescent sexuality; recreational theory and practice; first aid; basic sanitation and personal hygiene; basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques.

Skill in: organizing and prioritizing one's own work; communicating to relay information to staff, management, industry professionals and family members/guardians; communicating with youth in a way that reinforces feelings of self-worth; listening to and understanding information received; providing learning experiences to enhance insight and growth of youth; being aware of others' actions and reactions; persuading others to change their minds or behaviors; bringing others together to reconcile differences.

Ability to: learn and apply facility policies, rules and regulations; learn and understand social and legal issues in child welfare; learn and apply security measures; intervene in crisis situations while maintaining the safety of youth and staff; perform housekeeping and maintenance duties in accordance with health standards; develop and maintain purposeful relationships with youth; plan, organize and participate in a variety of recreational or vocational activities; observe, assess and document adolescent behavior; work in a team setting to implement residential programs and develop and implement individual growth plans; lift, push, pull or bend to assist youth in meeting their needs and maintaining safety.