Youth Services Specialist I - Zebulon Pike YSC - Colorado Springs

Salary : $2,233.60 Biweekly
Location : Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IKA 00520 07/28/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OCYF - Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 1427 W. Rio Grande St., Colorado Springs CO 80905
Hiring Pay Rate: Shift Differential: 2nd shift = 7.5%, 3rd shift = 14%, Weekend = 20%
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at 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.


Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (full time and part time).
Physical Location:
Zebulon Pike Youth Service Center
1427 W. Rio Grand St
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
About the Division of Youth Services :


The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to protect, restore and improve public safety utilizing a continuum of care that provides effective supervision, promotes accountability to victims and communities, and helps youth lead constructive lives through positive youth development. The strategic goal of DYS is to operate healthy trauma-responsive organizational environments as demonstrated through prosocial, safe, and non-violent interactions.
DYS provides a continuum of services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, 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 15 secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of the 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 have many opportunities within DYS to positively impact youth and families.


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:
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.
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Description of Job:
WE WANT TO HIRE YOU IF:

• You have a passion for youth and a desire to improve your community
• You love learning new skills and teaching them to others
• You desire a job that teaches you what safe supervision is all about - physical, social, psychological, and moral
• You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork

About the position. This position is a direct care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. Specific duties and expectations are: Safety/Security, Youth Center Programming, Documentation/Recording and Reporting, Training, and Organizational Accountability. Positions may be required to work overtime on a rotating basis, based on business needs.
Duties Include but are not limited to the following:
Safety/Security . Work involves providing direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a secure setting. Monitor, participate, support, and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Individual Growth and Change Plans). Duties include supervision of youth or group of youth, supervision of daily activities, youth orientation, intervention in crisis situations, non-escalation, de-escalation, use of physical response/restraint in emergency situations, debriefing of all incidents, and conducting searches.
Youth Center Programming . Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow the Youth Center's behavioral management program, teach, coach, and redirect youth within the program. Support DYS initiatives and strategies as they relate to youth programming and crisis intervention.
Documentation/Recording and Reporting . Document observations of youth behavior and response to program(s) and document all unit activities and required information in appropriate logs and records systems. Document all youth group activities in appropriate database systems.
Organizational Accountability. Through all communications and behaviors demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive, and respectful cultural climate throughout the Youth Center by adhering to our organizational values of Nonviolence, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, Growth and Change, Social Learning, Democracy, and Emotional Intelligence. Requirement to adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, DYS Compliance Review Standards, and CDHS and DYS policies. Success will come through the development of healthy, positive relationships supported by creating a trauma responsive environment.
Training. Complete DYS Pre-Service training academy, Youth Center training, and orientation process as a new employee. Some travel may be required. Complete all assigned online training, and maintain and support the Division's prevailing behavior management and intervention strategies. Training will help you learn problem-solving, the development of relationships with youth grounded in solid boundaries, how to teach skills to youth to decrease further risk and need, and a better understanding of trauma, behavioral health, and high-risk behavior.
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 documentation must be uploaded- 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 the job 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma, (GED).

Substitutions:

• None

These positions are not sedentary positions. Employees are typically on their feet during the entire shift. Youth living quarters are located on multiple levels and employees must frequently climb stairs in the performance of job duties. Please take into account your physical ability in relation to the essential job duties when applying for job.


Employees must also be willing and able to physically intervene with assaultive youth.


Preferred Qualifications:

• College education in a behavioral health and or juvenile justice related field.
• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure residential facility and/or a behavioral health setting;
• Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; Education/experience working with adolescents who have trauma;
• Experience working with youth in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching.
• Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Highly Desirable Competencies

• Skilled in conflict management.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
• Sound judgment and decision making skills.
• Self control, composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully
• Ability to identify and act on changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible method.

Work Environment:

• Employees are required to work shift hours. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary between agencies and may include eight (8) hours, ten (10) hours, or twelve (12) hours in duration. Mandatory overtime may be required. Day shift work is not usually available. As a Correctional Youth Security Officer, your position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather.

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.
• Shift Work - subject to assigned Shift
• Travel - Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
• 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

• After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

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.
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  
  • By email (View email address on click.appcast.io), or
  • 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io) 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, 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.

Supplemental Information
How to Apply

Need help with your application? Click here.

The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact
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

• 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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

• If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at View phone number on click.appcast.io Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).
• Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:


Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes I possess a High School Diploma or GED
• No I do not possess a High School Diploma or GED

02


Do you possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03


A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?

• Yes
• No

04


Please tell us what level of education you currently have completed and the associated major based on the selections below.

• Bachelor's degree with Major in (psychology, sociology or criminal justice major or similar field).
• Associate's degree with Major in (psychology, sociology or criminal justice major or similar field).
• Completed College Degree in unrelated field - Incomplete degree in related field
• Completed HS/GED - Incomplete college degree in unrelated field

05


Years of experience working with at risk youth in a secure/staff secure setting or at risk population

• 2 + years of Direct Experience working with at risk youth in secure/staff secure type program.
• 1-2 years of Experience working with at risk youth secure/staff secure type program
• six months to 1 year of experience working with an at risk population.
• less then six months of experience working with an at risk population.
• no experience working with an at risk population.

06


Please describe in detail where you were working with at risk youth in a secure/staff secure setting or at risk population from your application?
07


Years of Mentoring, Coaching , Intern or Volunteer work.

• 2+ years of experience
• 1-2 years experience
• six months to 1 year of exp
• less than six month
• no experience

08


Years of Experience in the health and human services field and/or criminal justice field.

• 2+ years of experience
• 1-2 years of experience
• six months to 1 year of experience
• less than six months of experience
• no experience

09


Please describe in detail where you have experience working in the health and human services field and/or criminal justice field from your application?
10


What languages do you speak?

• Spanish
• Other Languages
• English Only

11


Please describe your experience working in residential treatment, mental health, law enforcement, and / or secure settings. Check all that apply:

• Youth
• Adult
• Detention
• Treatment
• Residential Programs
• Mental Health Facilities
• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Social Work
• Parole and Probation

12


Please indicate the other youth-specific experiences you bring to the table. Check all that apply:

• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Educational Setting
• Behavioral Intervention Programs
• Restitution / Commitment Programs
• Faith-Based Programs
• Other

13


Please check the situations listed below where physically managing a youth would be necessary:

• Swearing at another Youth
• Swearing at an Adult / Authority Figure
• Failing to Comply
• Passive Resistance
• Threatening Behavior
• Damaging Property
• Hurting Themselves or Others
• Other

14


Please describe why you would physically manage youth in the situations above, and the other interventions you would use first or concurrently. If you marked "other" in the list above, please tell us about those situations as well.
15


Our teams provide cognitive, emotional, and behavioral support to our youth both as a function of their daily interactions and through structured programming. Please indicate the areas where you have experience as the person responsible for delivering programming:

• One-on-One Treatment
• Group Treatment
• Drug / Alcohol
• RCJ
• Educational
• Social Skills
• Anger Management
• Evidence-Based Programs
• Other

16


Of these program areas, which have you demonstrated leadership in by developing the program or leading change? What outcome were you seeking and how did you accomplish it?
17


In order for our facilities to remain in compliance with State and Federal Laws, there may be times when we will need to hire based on gender to serve that particular population. Please indicate your gender below.

• Male
• Female

18


There may be times when our facilities will need to hire individuals on a temporary basis in order to meet staffing needs. These assignments can last up to nine months. Please indicate below if you would be willing to accept a temporary assignment.

• Yes
• No

19


If you are a Veteran and you are requesting Veteran's Preference you must upload your DD-214 or VA letter to your application.

• I am not a Veteran
• I have uploaded my Veteran Preference documents (DD214 or VA letter)
• I am a Veteran, but not requesting Veteran's preference

20


Do you prefer Days, Evenings or Nights?
21


The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

22


Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

• Yes
• No

23


If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
24


Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
Required Question