Youth Program Specialist-YRTC-Kearney

son; Kearney (NE); Presencial; USD 31 000 - 44 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

State retirement plan

Paid holidays & leave

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement & PD

Employee Assistance Program

Team-oriented environment

Public service stability

Resumo da oferta

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, is hiring a Youth Program Specialist. This role focuses on guiding youth toward healthier choices through mentorship, structure, and accountability.

Responsibilities include supervising activities, documenting progress, and responding to crises. Strong communication and English proficiency are essential, along with a valid driver's license and physical stamina for shift work.

Qualificações

• Must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred coursework or experience in social work, criminal justice, counseling, human development, psychology, or related fields.
• English proficiency including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension; valid driver's license.

Responsabilidades

• Supervise youth in daily activities and stay in sight and sound of youth at all times.
• Document youth behavior and progress (written and computerized).
• Utilize email, Word, Excel, and databases to track information.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide role modeling for youth.
• May transport youth as needed and participate in programming planning.

Conhecimentos

Adolescent development

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Relationship building

Observation/documentation

Calm under pressure

Formação académica

High school diploma or equivalent

Ferramentas

Word

Excel

Email

myAvatar database

Descrição da oferta de emprego

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate: $28.140

Job Posting: JR2026-00026200 Youth Program Specialist-YRTC-Kearney (Evergreen) (Open)

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

Job Description:

At the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, we're not just about words – we're about action! Our Youth Program Specialists are the driving force behind the transformation, inspiring youth to believe in themselves and the endless possibilities that await them. Together, let's empower youth to embrace their strengths and chart a course to success.

Why This Work Matters

You'll walk alongside youth with complex behaviors on their journey toward healing, growth, and stability. Through structure, mentorship, and compassion, you’ll help youth develop the skills and mindset needed to become successful, law-abiding citizens.

Our Mission:

“Help youth live better lives through effective services, giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens.”

If you're passionate about positively influencing future generations, this is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.

What We Offer

We support the people who support our youth. Enjoy outstanding benefits, job security, and a team that feels like family.

• 156% state-matched retirement — one of the best in the nation
• 13 paid holidays + generous leave starting immediately
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fun, mission-driven, and supportive team environment
• Job stability in public service

Who We are

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney (YRTC-K) is accredited by the American Correctional Association, owned and operated by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State of Nebraska. YRTC-K serves male youth between the ages of 14 and just before the age of 19. All youth committed to the facility are adjudicated (ordered) by the court, committed until the age of 19 or till they complete the programming

As a Youth Program Specialist, you will:

• Supervise youth in daily activities (Be in sight and sound of youth at all times).
• Document behavior (Written and on the computer).
• Computer knowledge- email, Word, Excel, database programs myAvatar
• Respond to crisis situations.
• Serve as a role model to the youth.
• May be required to transport youth.
• Work requires physical stamina/strength, standing, walking, occasional lifting, and the ability to physically intervene if needed.
• Light housekeeping duties (shared staff areas clean and neat).
• Med aide duties (all med aide staff must pass the med aid class prior to distributing medication to youth. This class is provided as part of new employee training).
• Participate in the programming plan for youth, including but not limited to attending group meetings, team meetings, and family team meetings.

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. Experience working with youth/adolescents strongly preferred

Other: This position requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively. Must possess a valid drivers license.

Hiring rate of position starts at $ 27.32/hour plus shift differential for qualifying shifts.

Work shifts- 2nd shift 2PM -10PM & 3rd shift 10PM-6AM

Knowledge & Skills That Help You Succeed:

• Understanding of adolescent development, crisis intervention, and behavioral techniques
• Strong communication skills — especially when engaging with youth
• Ability to build purposeful, supportive relationships
• Skill in organizing work, observing behavior, and documenting progress
• Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations

The Department of Health and Human Services uses behavioral based questions when conducting interviews. Please review the attached documentto learn more about the STAR Method, and how you can best prepare if you are selected for an interview!

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Children and Family Services, please visit our website, http://dhhs.ne.gov/careers

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.