Youth Program Specialist II - YRTC-H

State of Nebraska; Hastings (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Nebraska in Hastings, NE seeks a Youth Program Specialist II to monitor safety, administer basic care, document incidents, and support unit operations in a secure youth facility. Responsibilities include medication administration, vital signs, and maintaining clean, organized spaces.

The role emphasizes clear shift hand-offs and adherence to program rules. The position integrates public service with a commitment to youth development and re-entry, under the Health & Human Services

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.
• Preferred Qualifications: Coursework/training in social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development and the family, psychology, mental health care, education, social/behavioral sciences, human services or related area; OR experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families.

Responsibilities

• Monitors the safety and security of the youth at all times by completing scheduled unit walks and intervening during emergency situations.
• Administers medication, CPR, first aid; takes and records vital signs as needed; maintains the Med Room and stocks supplies.
• Documents nightly and all significant incidents per policy.
• Inspects the unit for maintenance problems and performs housekeeping duties and office duties.
• Stocks units, linen rooms and supply rooms; oversees the delivery of dirty laundry and securing State clothes.
• Maintains regular and consistent hand-off communication between shifts and enforces standards, program rules, and unit guidelines.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Posting

JR2026-00028456 Youth Program Specialist II - YRTC-H (Evergreen) (Open)

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location

Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate

$28.140

Job Description Summary

• Monitors the safety and security of the youth at all times by: completing scheduled unit walks, intervening during emergency/crisis situations using the Handle with Care system, maintaining professional boundaries to provide a therapeutic environment for youth during interactions instructing, orienting and assisting toward individual and program goals.
• Administers medication, CPR, first aid; takes and records vital signs as needed; responsible for cleaning Med Room and stocking supplies.
• Documents nightly and all significant incidents per policy.
• Regularly inspects the unit for maintenance problems; responsible for numerous housekeeping duties and numerous office duties.
• Stocks units, linen rooms and supply rooms, and oversees the delivery of dirty laundry to be picked up, responsible for laundering and securing of State clothes.
• Responsible for regular and consistent hand-off communication between shifts; per policy interprets, communicates, monitors and enforces standards, program rules and unit guidelines.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Qualifications: Coursework/training in: social work, criminal justice, counseling and guidance, human development and the family, psychology, mental health care, education, social/behavioral sciences, human services or related area: OR Experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families.

Other: Valid driver's license.

Additional Job Description

Working for the State of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is more than just a job-it's a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow Nebraskans. Public service provides an opportunity to contribute to the well‑being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. At DHHS, we take pride in our mission of "Helping People Live Better Lives," and every team member plays a vital role in delivering programs and services. Choosing a career in public service means embracing a purpose-driven path, fostering positive change, and upholding the values that make Nebraska a great place to live and thrive.

This position requires proficiency in English including the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend the language effectively.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.