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Job description
Salary : $2,345.08 Biweekly
Location : Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IKA /15/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OCYF - Spring Creek Youth Services Center
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/ :59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 3190 East Las Vegas St.Colorado Springs CO 80906
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information:
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 (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!
Physical Location:
3190 East Las Vegas St.
Colorado Springs CO 80906
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.
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 know how to lead others in maintaining a physically, socially, psychologically, and morally safe culture
You thrive on developing healthy relationships, professionalism, and teamwork
About Division of Youth Services
This work unit exists to provide for the direct care, safety, and security of pre-adjudicated or adjudicated youth in the Division of Youth Services custody using a trauma-responsive approach. The unit exists to provide 24- hour, seven-day-a-week care and supervision of youth in a secure residential setting covering work assignments ranging from Admissions and Control, school and day programming, and detention, assessment, and commitment (long-term treatment) living units. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is committed to hiring individuals who are professionals, team players, and passionate about their desire to help youth. DYS values candidates who have demonstrated perseverance as a special attribute that can help the youth in our care.
This position is a direct care/essential role that provides direct and engaging supervision of Youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position also functions as a Lead Worker and is partially accountable for the work product of Youth Services Specialist I (YSS I). Specific duties and expectations are:
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. The Work Leader's duties include staff accountability for quality and quantity of work, shift supervision, training, coaching and mentoring of YSS I employees, establishing work standards, performing quality assurance functions, and providing input for performance evaluations.
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. Facilitating milieu and skill groups for youth.
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 qualifications 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/Licensure/Certification/Experience: High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
One (1) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions: Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Additional info : 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.
(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: Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure facility
Self-motivated
Positive role model
Attention to Detail
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Effective Communication
Adaptability
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 experience.
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.
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
Shift Work - subject to assigned Shift
Travel- Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned training 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.
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 a candidate is selected.
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 ( ), 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 ) 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 , 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
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 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
Did you attach your DD-214 or VA letter if you are claiming Veterans Preference? You will not be given credit without uploading supporting documents Yes
No
02
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED? Yes
No
03
Do you possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License? Yes
No
04
Are you at least 21 years of age at the time of submitting this application? Yes
No
05
Please indicate 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
06
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
07
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
08
If you're using education that is relevant to the YSS II position to substitute for the required experience of two years, have you attached your transcripts for review? (Education will not be used unless unofficial or official transcripts are attached with your application. Relevant education is used on a year to year bases as a substitution to experience). Yes
No
09
Describe how the experiences listed above have given you the skill sets necessary to motivate and empower our youth and be an exceptional leader to our teams.
10
A large part of your duties as a CYSO II will involve thorough documentation and quality assurance duties within our youth center systems. When writing an incident report, what information is the most important to capture? How would you train your team to capture this information?
11
Tell us about a time when you witnessed another team member acting inappropriately - how did you handle it as a co-worker and what things would you do the same / differently as a supervisor? "Inappropriately" could be instances of theft, fraud, sexual harassment, violence, or performance-based issues.
12
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
Education
Social Skills
Anger Management
Evidence- Based
Other
13
How often have you been in the Lead Worker Role during the last year? Weekly
Monthly
Intermittently
None
14
When assigning staff duties and youth center routines, how do you prioritize what needs to be done? How do you determine who is assigned to different posts?
15
Describe the opportunities and challenges you have had as an FTO, Lead Worker or Supervisor. What have you learned about the youth center, systems, team, and yourself?
16
Have you provided formal input into: Programming, Policies, or Process Improvement? If so, please list below:
17
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.)
18
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
19
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).
20
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
Worksite address
colorado springs, CO, 80509, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.