Youth Services Specialist (Detention Center)

Polk County, IA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Juvenile Detention Center seeks a Youth Service Worker to care for youth, maintain facility safety, and support intake processes. You will work under supervision, participate in behavioral groups, and help ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

The role emphasizes documentation, interagency communication, and back-up transportation as needed. A focus on youth welfare and safety is essential in this setting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Three years of relevant work experience in an institutional setting dealing with the welfare of dependent or delinquent youth, or
• Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related, and
• One year of relevant work experience in an institutional setting dealing with the welfare of dependent or delinquent youth, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide back up for intake and interview youth, guardians, and staff to obtain history.
• Develop and monitor individual care and placement plans; assess progress and need for services.
• Maintain daily care, supervise groups and activities, and enforce facility rules.
• Counsel youth on problems; teach rules, procedures and behavior management.
• Input and retrieve information; prepare reports and maintain records.
• Assist in transportation of youth and in security duties.
• Communicate with parents, law enforcement, and social service agencies to coordinate services.

Skills

Interviewing

Behavior management

Documentation

Group leadership

Communication

Crisis management

Observation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or related field

Tools

Computer reporting

Job description

Polk County Juvenile Detention Center seeks a Youth Service Worker to care for youth, maintain facility safety, and support intake processes. You will work under supervision, participate in behavioral groups, and help ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

The role emphasizes documentation, interagency communication, and back-up transportation as needed. A focus on youth welfare and safety is essential in this setting.