Youth Security Specialist II (Whitehall)

son; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 59,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services seeks a Youth Security Specialist II to provide care and supervision for adolescent males at Lincoln Regional Center - Whitehall. The role supports behavioral health services, enforces safety protocols, and coordinates with treatment plans under supervision.

Starting pay is $28.14 per hour with a 2nd shift (3:00 pm – 11:00 pm) and rotating weekends/holidays. Requires HS diploma and willingness to complete orientation; driver’s license may be

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Provide residential care, custody and supervision of youth at a 24-hour state facility.
• Perform safety checks and enforce facility policies.
• Assist with structured therapeutic activities and treatment planning.

Skills

Communication

Crisis intervention

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate: $28.140

Job Posting: JR2026-00029010 Youth Security Specialist II (Whitehall) (Evergreen) (Open)

The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) contributes to the lives and health of Nebraskans every day. Our mission, "Helping people live better lives," provides the motivation to make a difference and that starts right here. Every individual within DHHS makes an impact; we want to elevate, engage, and empower those that choose to spend their energy making the world a little brighter.

We recognize that our teammates bring tremendous value to the State of Nebraska and that their vital work helps fulfill our mission. We support our staff by offering fantastic benefits, training and development opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.

We are looking for caring professionals to join our team as a Youth Security Specialist II. In this role you will be an integral part of our Behavioral Health Division and provide critical care and support to adolescent males at Lincoln Regional Center - Whitehall.

You have the passion, we have the opportunities - let’s make a difference for Nebraskans!

Under general supervision, provides residential care, custody and supervision of youth located at a 24-hour state facility/ward; provides structured therapeutic activities and assists youth according to their individual treatment plan; maintains a secure, safe and clean environment and implements safety protocols; performs related work as assigned.

• Supervises individual youth or small groups in work and recreational activities, monitors, documents and reports on performance. Provides youth care as identified in their individual treatment plan providing ongoing assessment and input for treatment planning activities.
• Assists with rehabilitative treatment practiced at the facility. Involves youth in programming and activities to expand their social, educational, recreational and/or leisure skills.
• Assists with structured therapeutic groups and/or classes. Observes and records daily behavior and progress of residents.
• Participates in staff meetings and treatment planning sessions and contributes to the evaluation of youth.
• Participates in youth admission and discharge planning activities.
• Controls the movement of assigned residents to and from their living quarters for school and recreational activities, dining room, work detail and off campus appointments.
• Monitors the safety and security of youth through enforcement of facility security policies and procedures.
• Utilizes learned safety techniques as necessary. Responds to crisis situations, including runaways and sleep disturbances with individual residents.
• Responds to facility emergencies (tornado warnings, fire alarms, bomb threats) and follows necessary, pre-established emergency procedures.
• Regularly inspects the living quarters for maintenance and cleanliness and takes action to correct deficiencies.
• Conducts safety checks and contraband searches. Provides orientation and instruction to youth on program procedures and guidelines. Ensures youth observe and adhere to facility rules and procedures.

Starts at $28.14 per hour!

This position is 2nd Shift, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, with Tuesday/Wednesday off.

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

Must be able to attend and complete one (1) week of New Employee Orientation, attendance during this time is mandatory. Must be able to work a shift assignment which includes weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.Employees in this class may be required to work rotating shifts. Positions in this class require an employee to possess a valid driver’s license. State agencies are responsible to evaluate each of their positions to determine their individual overtime eligibility status as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of

principles and practices of group and family systems theory; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques; adolescent growth and development; individual counseling theory and practice; adolescent sexuality; recreational theory and practice; first aid; basic sanitation and personal hygiene; basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; behavioral prevention and intervention techniques.

Skill in

organizing and prioritizing one’s own work; communicating to relay information to staff, management, industry professionals and family members/guardians; communicating with youth in a way that reinforces feelings of self-worth; listening to and understanding information received; providing learning experiences to enhance insight and growth of youth; being aware of others’ actions and reactions; persuading others to change their minds or behaviors; bringing others together to reconcile differences.

Ability to

learn and apply facility policies, rules and regulations; learn and understand social and legal issues in child welfare; learn and apply security measures; intervene in crisis situations while maintaining the safety of youth and staff; perform housekeeping and maintenance duties in accordance with health standards; develop and maintain purposeful relationships with youth; plan, organize and participate in a variety of recreational or vocational activities; observe, assess and document adolescent behavior; work in a team setting to implement residential programs and develop and implement individual growth plans; lift, push, pull or bend to assist youth in meeting their needs and maintaining safety.

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.