Youth Program Specialist-YRTC-Kearney

State of Nebraska; Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement benefit

13 holidays and generous leave

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

EAP

Team environment

Job stability

Job summary

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, part of the State of Nebraska, seeks a Youth Program Specialist to supervise youth, document progress, and support therapeutic programming. You will engage youth, respond to crises, and collaborate with teams to promote growth and safety.

This public service role offers strong benefits, including retirement, health coverage, and professional development, with shifts that support day and evening coverage in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Coursework in social work, criminal justice, counseling, education, or related areas is preferred.
• Experience working with youth/adolescents is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise youth in daily activities and maintain safety.
• Document behavior and progress.
• Utilize computer tools (email, Word, Excel, databases).
• Respond to crisis situations and serve as a positive role model.
• May transport youth and perform light housekeeping duties.
• Participate in programming planning and family/team meetings.

Skills

Adolescent development

Crisis intervention

Strong communication

Relationship building

Organization

Crisis management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Coursework in social work / criminal justice / counseling

Experience with youth/adolescents

Job description

Job Posting

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

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate

$28.140

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 document to 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

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

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.