Youth Specialist

macombgov

United States

On-site

USD 48,000 - 62,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Macomb County is seeking a Youth Specialist to provide care, safety, and supervision for residents at the Juvenile Justice Center. The role involves implementing programs, monitoring behavior, and documenting case information with accuracy.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, with a preferred Associate Degree in related fields and experience with adolescents. This is a full-time position with overtime per policy and requires a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Qualifications

Requires a high school diploma or GED.
Preferred Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field.
Previous experience with adolescent youth is desired.

Responsibilities

Provides care, safety and security for residents at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Assists in implementing programs and work assignments as designated by the Director.
Observes and reports information relevant to residents' behavior.
Enter case information into a computerized software system and generate reports.

Skills

Active listening

Critical thinking

Judgment & decision

Communication

Social perceptiveness

Service orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate Degree in Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

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 Specialist

SALARY:

$48,083.75 - $62,192.32

DEPARTMENT:

Juvenile Justice Center

Opening Date:

10/20/2026

Closing Date:

11/04/2026 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS:

Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:

Just cause subject to probationary period

CURRENT 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 Experience: Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test (GED)
Preferred Education and Experience: An Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university
Previous experience working with adolescent youth
Required Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of: Human behavior
Individual differences of ability, personality and differences
Potential behavior problems of children
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word
Principles and processes for providing customer service
Skill in: Active listening
Critical thinking
Judgment and decision making
Social perceptiveness
Service orientation
Ability to: Provide direction to residents in the completion of assigned tasks
Communicate clearly
Resolve conflict between residents
Recognize and anticipate behavior and potential problems within the unit
Assist children with daily living and recreational activities and to effectively role-model, teach, and counsel children to encourage appropriate behavior while maintaining professional boundaries
Work in an environment which embraces the county's Dignity Campaign
Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information
Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: O
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: F/C
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: F/C
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: O
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S
Blood Borne Pathogens: F/C

PHYSICAL 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.