Youth Program Specialist II - YRTC-H

State of Nebraska; Hastings (NE); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Nebraska’s Health & Human Services Department is looking for a Youth Program Specialist II at the YRTC-H Evergreen site in Hastings, NE. The role supports youth safety, daily routines, and individual program goals while working with a dedicated team.

Responsibilities include supervising youth during activities, maintaining accurate records, coordinating shift handoffs, and assisting with unit operations in a therapeutic setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Monitors the safety and security of the youth; conducts unit walks and intervenes in crisis situations in a therapeutic environment.
• Administers medication, CPR, first aid; records vital signs and maintains Med Room cleanliness.
• Documents nightly incidents and notable events per policy.
• Inspects units for maintenance and performs housekeeping tasks.
• Stocks units, linen rooms, and oversees laundry and securing State clothes.
• Ensures clear hand-off communication between shifts and enforces program rules.

Skills

Minimum age 21

Preferred coursework in social work/cr

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate:

$28.140

Job Posting:

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

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Job Description Summary

1. 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.
2. Administers medication, CPR, first aid; takes and records vital signs as needed; responsible for cleaning Med Room and stocking supplies.
3. Documents nightly and all significant incidents per policy.
4. Regularly inspects the unit for maintenance problems; responsible for numerous housekeeping duties and numerous office duties.
5. 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.
6. Responsible for regular and consistent hand-off communication between shifts; per policy interprets, communicates, monitors and enforces standards, program rules and unit guidelines

Job Description

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.