Lead Youth Security Officer - 24/7 (Trauma-Informed)

Correctional Youth Security Officer II – Gilliam Youth Services This position provides 24‑hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State‑Operated Secure Facilities. The role is direct‑care and essential, maintaining safety and security through appropriate supervision, presenting crisis intervention, and ensuring compliance with CDHS and DYS policies. The officer directs daily living and leisure activities, implements a trauma‑responsive approach, and serves a complex adolescent population with behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. The position functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs. Key Responsibilities Safety and Security Provide direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre‑adjudicated youth in a locked setting. Ensure staff location, mobility, and continual observation to maintain safety. Enforce security rules, supervise daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to unit/facility rules, and intervene early or actively in potentially volatile situations. Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, exercising sound judgment and emotional control. Participate in defusing and debriefing all incidents per DYS policy. Reinforce safe practices and maintain a non‑violent environment. Monitor movement of youth, escort, and transport to activities or appointments internally or externally. Conduct searches (pat, personal, full) in accordance with policy and the juvenile’s stated preference, documenting and seizing contraband when appropriate. Check windows, doors, locks, and grounds to minimize escape risk; assess and document suicidal, medical, escape risk, special needs, and room restrictions. Adhere to Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards, monitoring status as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Use effective communication, verbal de‑escalation, and a strength‑based approach when interacting with youth and staff. When de‑escalation fails, follow approved physical management policy and protocols. Place youth on seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS policy. Monitor, support, and enforce behavioral management plans (Behavior Contracts, Agreements, Growth & Change Plans) and medical watches as directed. Supervise to prevent sexual contact in the facility, obeying all PREA Policies and Federal Standards. Programing Implement and follow the facility Behavioral Management Program with positive engagement. Conduct processing and/or psycho‑educational groups as needed. Observe, monitor, detect, record, and report problem behaviors. Communicate expectations for behavior, events, rules, and other milieu requirements. Role‑model prosocial behaviors and use techniques to establish rapport with youth. Support restorative community justice principles and activities. Support DYS Strategic Plan initiatives relating to juvenile programming, routines, and crisis intervention. Objectively monitor, record, and intervene on youth behaviors according to program standards. Manage adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities, ensuring compliance with Safety Plans and individual growth plans. Recommend program modifications to supervisory and clinical staff. Facilitate and monitor pod cleanup, inspect rooms per schedule. Ensure juvenile hygiene by managing linen and clothing distribution. Provide confidential access to grievances, medical and mental health assistance without staff interference. Support youth in meeting presenting needs and addressing concerns. Uphold basic rights of juveniles as per prevalent law or policy. Ensure recreation, orientation, and educational support per standard schedules. Documentation / Recording and Reporting Document juvenile behavior observations and responses to programs. Record facility and youth searches, unit activities, SPM/SMP status, and medical watch information. Complete Incident Reports, Traffic reports, and other required forms. Notify and complete all incident report forms related to seclusion and behavioral transgressions. Report facility deficiencies or safety concerns. Document meal distribution and medication receipt/release. Maintain accurate youth room classification and critical information advisement. Record and report IDs, VINE information, and high‑profile admissions. All forms must be completed per DYS Policy and in the TRAILS database. Report any known or suspected incidents of abuse as a mandatory reporter. Organizational Accountability Demonstrate a healthy, positive, respectful cultural climate through actions and communication. Communicate professionally with customers, residents, staff, and co‑workers. Adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Policy, and audit standards. Follow schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices as required. Complete assigned duties within Colorado statutes and CDHS/DYS policies. As a work lead, coach, teach, and enforce staff adherence to all above. Additional Duties May Include: Complete yearly mandatory training requirements. Participate on committees in the youth center and throughout DYS. Provide recreational services, develop and implement recreation schedule. Other duties as assigned or required. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). One (1) year of professional experience in a field related to the work assigned to the position. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with adjudicated or detained youth within a secure facility. Self‑motivated and positive role model. Teamwork skills. Experience in program and/or project development. Trainer certification in staff development. Supervisory/management experience. Proven leadership and decision‑making skills. Microsoft Office proficiency. College degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies, or a closely related field. Conditions of Employment Must be 21 years old or older. Must possess a valid, unrestricted CO driver’s license. Must have no felony convictions and no violent history. Willing and able to work shifts (24 hour/7 day a week facility). Must pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigations and a Federal Bureau of Investigations background check, including a current/previous employer check covering the last 10 years. Must complete the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training. Transportation of youth in state vehicles and travel to training or alternate work sites. Benefits Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, 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. Work‑life programs such as flexible schedules and training. Remote work arrangements for eligible positions. Appeal Rights Applicants eliminated from consideration may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. Appeals must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed, and delivered via email, US mail, or fax within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of notice. For more information, see for the appeal process. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. ADA accommodations are provided as needed. For more information, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado