Youth Specialist I - Juvenile Detention Center

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

General Summary

$45,808 - $59,768
This is an on-site position

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while helping create a safe, structured, and supportive environment? Join Oakland County Children’s Village, a 24/7 child-caring campus serving neglected and delinquent youth through secure, non-secure, and community-based programs.

What You’ll Do
Supervise, support, and guide youth through their daily routines while maintaining a safe and structured living environment.
Observe resident behavior, document progress and incidents, and actively contribute to individualized treatment plans.
Collaborate with the treatment team to develop and implement strategies that support each resident’s needs and goals.
Lead and encourage participation in educational, recreational, work, and other scheduled activities.
Inspect living and sleeping areas to maintain security, identify concerns, and prevent potential incidents.
Provide crisis intervention and, when necessary, use approved physical-restraint techniques to safely respond to aggressive or uncontrolled behavior.
Transport residents safely to court appearances and program-related activities.
Consistently follow administrative policies, state licensing requirements, and the mission and purpose of Children’s Village.
Work assigned day, afternoon, midnight, and/or weekend shifts to support the facility’s 24/7 operations.

Why You’ll Love It Here
Make a direct and meaningful impact on young people who need stability, guidance, and positive role models.
Become an important member of a collaborative treatment team focused on residents’ safety, development, and long-term success.
Build valuable experience in youth services, behavioral support, crisis intervention, and residential care.
Enjoy meaningful, hands-on work where each day brings new opportunities to help youth grow.
Serve your community while supporting the mission of Oakland County Children’s Village.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test.

• Have passed his/her 21st birthday.

• Have not been convicted of a felony violation involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous work experience with youths either on a paid or volunteer basis.

• College study in the area of Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Criminal Justice.

• Considerable ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions by management.

• Considerable ability to prepare and present oral and written reports.

• Considerable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior in order to appropriately advise, instruct, and supervise residents.

• Considerable ability to cope with emergency or difficult situations requiring immediate

• decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with residents, other

• employees and the general public.

• Reasonable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior.

• Reasonable ability to counsel, instruct, mentor, and actively supervise residents.

STANDARD PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent to constant standing, walking, running, and lifting while supervising and observing residents and work activities with residents.

• Strength and dexterity of a degree to restrain residents when necessary.

• Sensory skills intact to be able to detect smoke, fire and contraband carried or being used by the residents.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must submit to annual periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at County expense.

• Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

• Drive designated county-owned vehicle when on duty, unless directed otherwise.

• Must become certified in CPR and maintain certification annually.

• Before beginning employment, candidates will be required to provide Children’s Village with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing

• Children’s Village to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.

• Applicants for positions at Children’s Village will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following:

(a) Child Abuse or Neglect.
(b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises residents throughout daily activities and ensures participation in scheduled programming, including school, meals, recreation, and other assigned activities.

• Engages youth in a respectful and professional manner, establish appropriate rapport and trust, and always maintains clear professional boundaries.

• Communicates clearly and professionally with youth, supervisors, and staff while actively listening and responding appropriately to questions, concerns, and needs.

• Monitors and documents resident behavior, activities, and significant incidents; completes accurate shift reports to ensure continuity of care and communication between shifts.

• Promotes and reinforces daily living skills, including personal hygiene, appropriate eating habits, housekeeping, grooming, and healthy sleep routines.

• Maintains continuous awareness and accountability of residents; enforces program rules, policies, and expectations consistently and fairly.

• Participates in treatment team meetings and provides relevant observations and information to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized treatment plans.

• Conducts routine inspections of living areas and sleeping quarters to promote safety and security and identify potential hazards, prohibited items, or other concerns. These room/facility searches may require bending, squatting, and stretching for various lengths of time.

• Provides crisis intervention, including physical restraint of aggressive or uncontrolled youth when necessary, using prescribed techniques. Utilizes effective de-escalation and conflict-management techniques to maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment during high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

• Responds to emergencies in accordance with facility procedures and emergency codes, including medical emergencies, self-harm incidents, escapes, assaults, and other critical situations.

• Collaborates effectively with supervisors and coworkers to support daily operations, maintain consistency, and promote a positive team environment.

• Maintains reliable attendance and punctuality and fulfill assigned responsibilities in a timely and dependable manner.

• Protects and maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information involving youth, staff, records, and facility operations in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements

• Follows organizational policies, procedures, and established protocols; demonstrates accountability, dependability, and consistent professional conduct.

• Responsible for the cleanliness of assigned unit and any equipment used in programs.

• Drives county vehicles to safely transport residents to court hearings, medical appointments, and other authorized activities.

• May dispense medication when medical staff is not present. All medications will be pre-packed by medical staff with the resident’s name and date of birth.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instructs by demonstrating indoor/outdoor recreational, vocational, and work activities to foster development of residents' skills and sportsmanship.

• Assists in admitting new residents to facility, following established rules and procedures.

• Conducts meal counts and records of food consumed in order to ensure accuracy and adherence to the

• Michigan Department of Education food funding regulations.

• Assists in searches for escapees/runaways from the facility as directed.

• Maintains inventory and accounting records as directed.

• Assist in conducting tours of Children's Village, when assigned.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate work-related information clearly and professionally.

• Ability to provide direct physical care and supervision to juveniles, including responding to medical needs and behavioral emergencies.

• Ability to apply prescribed physical management techniques to ensure the safety of residents and staff when necessary.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a secure, 24/7 residential setting with youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or involvement with the juvenile justice system. Close contact with people who could become confrontational.

• Will be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU22 - Children's Village (MAPE)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.