CORRECTIONAL YOUTH SECURITY OFFICER II - Campus at Lookout Mtn
Apply
Salary
$2,322.00 Biweekly
Location
Golden, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 01953 06/29/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF - Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
2901 Ford St. Golden, CO 80401
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
brennon.watts@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (Including both part and full time positions).
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)
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
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
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.
This position must maintain professional boundaries according to the Policy S-3-30 - Professional Conduct and the Policy S-3-20 - Relationships Between Employees and Youth.
DutiesSafety/Security. Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a locked 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/facility 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 crisis in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all juveniles and staff. Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy. 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 and strip searches are conducted by a same sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juveniles 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 facility grounds to minimize escape risk. Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards. Monitor SPM status, or other special observation status 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 Division Physical Response 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, Special Management Programs). 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 facility, adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.Lead Worker Duties (as assigned/required):
Coaches, teaches, and mentors other employees. Role model adherence to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure at all times.
Provides Shift Briefing and communication of pertinent information as it relates to youth and building needs, living unit areas, special status youth, high-risk youth, behavioral contracts and safety plans.
Reviews and oversees the proper implementation of Juvenile Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) screening, Special Management Programs (SMP), Seclusion, Behavior Contracts and Safety Plans.
Identifies milieu concerns and provide solutions to minimize, reduce and eliminate potential threats.
Reviews Minor Rule Violations and approve proper interventions. Ensure youth completes assigned interventions. Ensure Minor Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
Reviews Major Rule Violations and provide constructive feedback to staff writing incident reports. Ensure Major Rule Violations coincide with prevailing DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure. Conduct juvenile Disciplinary Hearings and uphold due process and implementation of Restorative Community Justice (RCJ) and interventions for all youth.
Ensures adherence to all Fire, Safety, and Sanitation standards throughout the facility, according to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure. Respond to, and provide solutions and coaching as needed to rectify emergency concerns.
Ensures proper administration of medication according to QMAP standards, DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures. Oversee after hours receipt of medication
Inform or refer juveniles and/or staff for medical care as needed or requested. Provide notification, follow-up and other required/pertinent documentation. In the event of medical emergency, per DYS Policy provide medical attention and follow up as necessary.
Assigns staff to post assignments as needed and uphold staffing patterns according to DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures.
Participates and/or facilitate required post incident processes per DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedures. Will ensure required follow-up as needed. Evaluate incidents, provide information to minimize assaultive behaviors by action planning and communicating pertinent information to all necessary parties.
Responds to all codes and assess/evaluate situation and provide direction as needed. Ensure provision of least restrictive alternatives and lowest level interventions.
Ensures PREA Standards are upheld according to DYS Policy 9.19. This includes proper SAB/VV/VAB assessment or reassessment. Ensure the initiation and implementation of safety contracts, safety planning and notification to mental health personnel.
Oversees all juvenile transports and assign staff to conduct transports as needed.
Ensures all youth are offered meals.
Programming. Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the facility behavioral management program. Conduct processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning. Observe, monitor, detect, record and report problem behaviors. Communicate expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements. Role model pro-social 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 DYS 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. Oversee daily program schedule based on prevailing standards. Recognize, implement, monitor, observe and document juvenile SMP (Special Management Program) in accordance to 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. Routinely and equitably distribute linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice. Ensure that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference. Support and/or facilitate youth to meet their presenting need and address or satisfy their concerns. Uphold basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy. Provide individual or group psycho-education. Support and ensure that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards, youth condition and daily program schedule. Provide orientation for newly admitted youth within 24 hours of admission according to prevailing orientation standards as assigned. Provide support to educational programming as requested and assigned.Documentation/Recording and Reporting. Document observations of juvenile behavior and response to program(s). Complete documentation of facility and youth searches. Document all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log. Record 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. Complete Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff. Document daily youth behavior observations. Document all youth group activities in the TRAILS database. Generate and document 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 facility 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 youth's 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 to all receiving parties. Ensure MAYSI-2/SIRS-R is completed within two hours of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth. Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions. Lead Worker Duties (as assigned/required):
Reviews of all necessary documentation to ensure adherence to DYS Policy, Facility Implementing Procedures, and Audit Standards.
Provides documentation of all youth movement, needs, concerns, crisis interventions, juvenile status per DYS Policy and Facility Implementing Procedure.
Reviews admission files, including youth room classification, MAYSI-2/SIRS-R results and ensures room assignment coincides with individualized youth classification.
Reviews youth on NDR status as per DYS Policy to assure compliance.
Reviews and ensures all meal tracking sheets are completed accurately.
Organizational Accountability. Through all communications and behaviors employee will demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility. Communicates with outside agencies and co-workers in a professional manner; ensuring to communicate with all residents, staff, and internal/external customers with respect and dignity. Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS 5 Core Values and support the 5 Key Strategies. To be aware of, and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and Implementing Procedures. Will adhere to CDHS and DYS Policy regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices. Will complete other duties as assigned and follow supervisors requests and directives, within Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS and DYS Policies and Procedures. As a Lead Worker, will role-model, coach, teach and enforce staff adherence to all the above.Training. Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training. Maintain required certifications as appropriate. Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill. Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy. Successfully complete DYS Pre-Service, Facility Training and Orientation process as a new employee. Maintain and support the Division's prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies. As a lead worker, ensure training standards are met and/or provide professional development of YSS Is. Facilitate and/or co-facilitate team meetings, as needed.Other Duties as Assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
-
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 DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED AND ALL TRANSCRIPTS MUST HAVE SCHOOL NAME, YOUR NAME, AND ALL PAGES- THIS IS THE FIRST EVALUATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS*
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification 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 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.
Educational Requirements High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
AND
Work Experience
One (1) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
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. Substitution:Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
(College with course work in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. )
Preferred Qualifications. The preferred candidate will possess demonstrated experience in the following areas:
Admissions and Control trained
Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure facility
Experience in program and/or project development
Self-motivated
Positive role model
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Trainer certification in staff development
Supervisory, management, and/or leadership experience
Critical Thinking and Decision Making skills
Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides
College degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field.
Relevant years of state service
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).
Must possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License.
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Shifts Work - Subject to assigned shifts (24 hour/7 day a week facility)
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 (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 applicant's 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.
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 Division's decision on whether I am selected.
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 (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), 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 acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)
Need help with your application? Click here
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contact brennon.watts@state.co.us.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (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. 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 www.copera.org 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
BenefitHub state 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 https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs .
Our 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.
ADA Accommodations:
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.
This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us .
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support)
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
