Youth Care & Security Aide

Polk-County,-Ia; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Juvenile Detention Center is seeking a Youth Services Aide to support care, security, welfare, and custody of youth under supervision. You will help conduct bedroom checks, maintain security, document activities, and back up Youth Services Workers.

The role involves health monitoring, light laundry/housekeeping, admissions/discharge support, and potential transport of youth. Strong communication and observational skills are essential for shifts including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months relevant experience in an institutional setting with youth.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of youth; maintains security by bedroom checks and reports suspicious activity.
• Performs minor medical duties, including dispensing medication and health problem screening.
• Maintains professional interaction, enforces facility rules, and disciplines youth as needed.
• Makes verbal, written, and computerized reports; maintains logs and enters data.
• Performs laundry and light housekeeping; reports maintenance needs.
• May assist with admissions/discharge paperwork, interviews, and related procedures.
• Provides back up for Youth Services Workers and may transport youth; escorts visitors.
• Participates in monthly staff meetings and may transport youth outside the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Utilizes office equipment for data entry and communications.

Skills

Basic care knowledge

Laundry procedures

Electronic monitoring systems

Computer skills

Interviewing/observation

Written communication

Interpersonal with youth

Rule enforcement

Restraint techniques

Stress management

Data entry/office equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Six months experience with youth/institution

Equivalent combination of training/experience

Job description

Polk County Juvenile Detention Center is seeking a Youth Services Aide to support care, security, welfare, and custody of youth under supervision. You will help conduct bedroom checks, maintain security, document activities, and back up Youth Services Workers.

The role involves health monitoring, light laundry/housekeeping, admissions/discharge support, and potential transport of youth. Strong communication and observational skills are essential for shifts including evenings and weekends.