As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.CLASSIFICATION TITLE:Youth SpecialistSALARY:$48,083.75 - $62,192.32DEPARTMENT:Juvenile Justice CenterOpening Date:10/20/2026Closing Date:11/04/2026 12:00 a.m.FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations PolicyEMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary periodCURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (40 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position varies based upon days, afternoons or midnights shifts.GENERAL SUMMARY:Provides care, safety and security of residents at the Juvenile Justice Center. Assists in the implementation of programs and work assignments. Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Assists in the implementation of programs designated by the Director.Ensures that assigned residents are appropriately dressed, fed and that all work assignments are completed in a timely manner.Controls or physically manages residents engaged in violent or disruptive behavior that weigh in excess of one hundred (100) pounds.Oversees, referees, demonstrates and supervises various activities, including recreational activities and work assignments.Observes and reports information relevant to residents’ behavior.Enters case information into a computerized software system and generates reports as directed.Works mandatory overtime as directed.May transport residents to various locations for services.Operates an automobile to perform job functions.Performs related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:Required Education and ExperiencePossession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test (GED)Preferred Education and ExperienceAn Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or universityPrevious experience working with adolescent youthRequired Licenses or CertificationsPossession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travelCOMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:Knowledge of:Human behaviorIndividual differences of ability, personality and differencesPotential behavior problems of childrenBasic computer skills, including Microsoft WordPrinciples and processes for providing customer serviceSkill in:Active listeningCritical thinkingJudgment and decision makingSocial perceptivenessService orientationAbility to:Provide direction to residents in the completion of assigned tasksCommunicate clearlyResolve conflict between residentsRecognize and anticipate behavior and potential problems within the unitAssist children with daily living and recreational activities and to effectively role-model, teach, and counsel children to encourage appropriate behavior while maintaining professional boundariesWork in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity CampaignEffectively speak, write and understand the English languageUnderstand and carry out oral and/or written instructionsAccurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic filesMaintain the confidentiality of informationWork independentlyWORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/ContinuouslyWork EnvironmentOffice or similar indoor environment: F/COutdoor environment: OStreet environment (near moving traffic): N/SConstruction site: N/SConfined space: N/SExposuresIndividuals who are hostile or irate: F/CIndividuals with known violent backgrounds: F/CExtreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/SExtreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/SCommunicable diseases: OMoving mechanical parts: N/SFumes or airborne particles: N/SToxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/SLoud noises (85+ decibels): N/SBlood Borne Pathogens: F/CPHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/ContinuouslyDemand :Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/SBending (forward or backward bending at the waist): OClimbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/SCrawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/SDigging: N/SDriving on sealed and unsealed roads: OGrasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: OKneeling to work at low levels: N/SManual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/CLeg/Foot Movement: F/CLift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below): F/COver 100 pounds: F/CPush / Pull objects away from or towards the body: F/CReaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): OSitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/CStanding in an upright position without movement: F/CWalking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/CRunning considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: OGENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS:Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.