Union Affiliation: Juvenile Home Employees Association, an Affiliate of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM).
Full-time Youth Specialist employees hired between 3-1-2024 and 12-31-2024 will be eligible for a one-time incentive payment of $4,000.00.
Additional criteria to qualify for an Incentive Payment: Full-time Youth Specialists must complete 1 year of full-time employment and have worked a minimum of 2,000 hours of in-person work to qualify.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The purpose of this job is to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of youth detained in the juvenile home. Monitors residents’ daily routine and attends treatment team meetings with families and court staff. Provides input on youth behavior, whether it be achievements or areas that need improvement. It utilizes a moral recognition therapy treatment method that the program is structured around.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitors and ensures the safety of resident(s) in detention and residential treatment programs; interacts with residents in both group and individual settings.
- Conducts admission procedures, including searching resident’s property, documenting evidence, completing questionnaires with residents, strip searches, and reporting areas of concern to the Supervisor, Psychologist, and/or any other proper individual or agency.
- Coaches residents in activities to teach basic living and pro-social skills as well as the use of effective coping mechanisms and self-regulatory techniques.
- Maintains security of buildings and facilities; monitors security cameras.
- Provides assistance during school hours; monitors residents, aid teachers when necessary, and helps residents with schoolwork.
- Performs a wide range of service duties, including assisting in the kitchen, driving residents to appointments, running errands, and facilitating extra-curricular activities.
- Performs physical restraint techniques when residents have become a danger to themselves or others.
- Performs related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Youth Services I:
- At least two years of relevant college-level course work or an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Childhood Development, Trauma Informed Care, or a related field.
- 1 to 3 years of related work experience working with at-risk youth.
- Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Youth Services II:
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Childhood Development, Trauma Informed Care, or a related field.
- 1 to 3 years of related work experience working with at-risk youth.
- Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
VETERANS: Please provide your joint services transcript with your application.
County positions include a benefits package with medical coverage, paid leave, and much more. Available supplemental dental and vision. Defined Benefit pension after the vesting period.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
All candidates must submit a Kalamazoo County Application for Employment accompanied by a resume. Application materials may be submitted online.