Correctional Youth Security Officer II - Gilliam Youth Services

Correctional Youth Security Officer II - Gilliam Youth Services

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Correctional Youth Security Officer II - Gilliam Youth Services

Salary

$27.62 Hourly

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IKA 06104 02/24/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OCYF - Gilliam Youth Services Center

Opening Date

02/24/2026

Closing Date

3/10/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

2844 Downing St. Denver, CO 80205

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Terra.Diehl@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.

Division of Youth Services - Gilliam Youth Services Center

About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHS Careers

Description of Job

This position provides 24-hour/7 days per week supervision of youth in DYS State Operated Secure Facilities. This position is direct-care and essential. To maintain safety and security through appropriate supervision of youth, to organize and direct daily living and leisure activities of youth, in accordance with the living unit master schedule, shift supervisor and/or other administrative direction. Provide corrective cognitive, emotional or behavioral experiences within a secure facility program using a trauma responsive approach. To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, DYS Audit Standards and facility specific procedure. This position serves a complex adolescent population with various behavioral health disorders, trauma, and criminal behaviors. This position functions as a Lead Worker, and is partially accountable for the work product of CYSOIs

Safety and Security

• Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security, and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated youth in a locked setting.
• Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location, mobility and continual observation of youth.
• Enforce established security rules and behavior of a youth or a group of youth, supervise and direct daily living and leisure activities, orient youth to the unit/facility and agency rules and routines, intervene early in potentially, or actively, volatile situations. Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.
• Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crises in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all juveniles and staff.
• Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Reinforce use of safe practices including methods of supervision and structure that maintain a non-violent environment.
• Monitor movement of youth in unit or through agency, escort and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external to the agency, conduct searches of persons, property or areas according to schedule or as needed.
• Ensure that pat searches, personal searches, and full searches are conducted by a same sex staff member, except in the case where a juvenile identifies as transgender or intersex, the search is to be conducted according to the juveniles stated preference in accordance with DYS Policy 13.9. Identify, document and seize contraband as directed or appropriate.
• Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms, and facility grounds to minimize escape risk. Assess and document suicidal, medical, escape risk, special needs, and room restrictions.
• Adhere to all Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) Policies and Standards. Monitors SPM status, or other special observation status of the youth, in accordance with timeframes as noted on Room Check Sheet(s). Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and a strength based approach when interacting with youth and staff in a positive and respectful manner.
• When all other attempts to de-escalate youth have failed, adhere to the approved physical management policy and protocols.
• Place youth on Seclusion pursuant to prevailing DYS Policy.
• Monitor, participate, support and enforce behavioral management plans for individual youth as directed (e.g. Behavioral Contracts, Behavior Agreements, Growth and Change Plans). Monitor medical watches as instructed and required pursuant to timeframes noted on the Room Check Sheet(s).
• Actively supervise to support prevention of sexual contact in the facility, adhere to all PREA Policies and Federal Standards.

Programing

• Actively and with positive engagement, implements and follows the facility Behavioral Management Program.
• Conducts processing and/or psycho-educational groups as needed to support a safe environment conducive to learning. Observes, monitors, detects, records and reports problem behaviors.
• Communicates expectations for behavior, events, rules, or other milieu requirements.
• Role model prosocial behaviors for youth.
• Uses prevailing techniques to establish rapport with youth, overcome resistance to change, and communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances.
• Supports restorative community justice principles and/or activities.
• Supports DYS Strategic Plan and initiatives as they relate to juvenile programming, daily routines and crisis intervention.
• Objectively and fairly monitors, records youth behaviors, and intervenes according to prevailing program standards related to privileges and consequences.
• Manages the adherence to daily structured programming and leisure activities. Recognizes, implements, monitors, observes and documents compliance with Safety Plans, Behavior Agreements and Individual Growth and Change Plans) in accordance with the juvenile's written program.
• Recommends any modifications of the program to supervisory and/or clinical staff. Facilitates and monitors cleanup of pod and rooms, inspects, according to daily schedule.
• Monitors and ensures juvenile hygiene is provided according to prevailing procedures. Routinely and equitably distributes linen and clothing to ensure good hygiene practice.
• Ensures that youth are provided confidential access to grievances, medical assistance and mental health assistance as needed/requested without staff interference.
• Supports and/or facilitates youth to meet their presenting needs and address or satisfy their concerns.
• Upholds basic rights of juveniles pursuant to prevailing law or policy.
• Supports and ensures that youth are provided recreation according to prevailing standards, youth condition and daily program schedule.
• Provides orientation for newly admitted youth within 24 hours of admission according to prevailing orientation standards as assigned.
• Provides support to educational programming as requested and assigned.

Documentation/Recording and Reporting

• Documents observations of juvenile behavior and response to program(s).
• Completes documentation of facility and youth searches.
• Documents all unit activities and relevant information on the daily shift log.
• Records Suicide Precaution Monitoring (SPM) and Special Management Program (SMP) Status and Medical Watch based on the assigned time intervals or frequency for the specific youth.
• Completes Extended Risk Assessment Forms as assigned by designated staff. Documents daily youth behavior observations.
• Documents all youth group activities in the TRAILS database.
• Generates and documents Incident Reports as required by DYS Policy.
• Notify and complete all forms relevant to youth incident reports.
• Observe and document youth behaviors on Seclusion status.
• Document and report youth behavioral transgressions and recommend interventions to supervisory staff.
• Report and document any facility deficiencies or safety concerns.
• Document meal distribution on the daily meal tracking sheet(s).
• All staff must report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing statute.
• Review and record all legal documentation and record required information in the youth's file (hard copy) and the TRAILS database.
• Inventory and record youth property during admission, any or all releases and any other access or change to that property.
• Document the receipt and release of all youth medication(s) as appropriate.
• This documentation shall include the notification of all internal and external parties.
• Generate and record all VINE information in the TRAILS database, unless otherwise directed.
• Complete and record accurate youth room classification information pursuant to DYS Policy.
• Notify and communicate all relevant youth information to the receiving unit staff.
• Complete, record and provide all necessary youth information on the Critical Information Advisement form and provide it to all receiving parties.
• Ensures Columbia Assessment is completed within one hour of admission for all newly detained and committed or recommitted youth.
• Notify and complete all forms relevant to High Profile youth admissions.

Organizational Accountability

• Through all communications and behaviors the employee demonstrates, supports, and contributes to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.
• Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner, ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity.
• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, the 7 Commitments and support the 5 Key Strategies. To be aware of, and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DYS Policy, and DYS Audit Standards.
• Adheres to CDHS, DYS Policy, and Procedures regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices.
• Completes other duties as assigned and follows supervisor's requests and directives, within Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS and DYS Policies and Procedures.
• As a Work Lead, role-models, coaches, teaches and enforces staff adherence to all the above.

Additional Duties May Include:

• Completion of yearly mandatory training requirements
• Participation on committees in the youth center and throughout DYS.
• Provides recreational services, as needed. Develop and implement the recreation schedule for the youth.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

Please update your application if changes pertain to your work and/or education history.

Current employees: If you do not update the work experience section of your application, you will not be given credit for your current State experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• One (1) year of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

Substitutions:

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

*Corrections-related experience is defined as the custody and control of a detained or adjudicated population and/or experience as a POST Certified Officer, or Military Law Enforcement.

Note: Anything less than 40 hours per week is considered part-time experience. Credit is given for part-time work but is calculated by prorating the qualifying experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will possess demonstrated experience in the following areas:

• Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained youth within a secure facility
• Self-motivated
• Positive role model
• Teamwork
• Experience in program and/or project development
• Trainer certification in staff development
• Supervisory/management experience
• Proven Leadership and Decision Making skills
• Microsoft Office Programs
• College degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, human services, physical education/recreational studies or closely related field

Conditions of Employment

• Must be 21 years old or older
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted CO Driver's License
• Must have no felony convictions and no violent history
• Willing and able to work shifts (24 hour/7 day a week facility)
• Must pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigations and a Federal Bureau of Investigations background check as a condition of employment. Included in the background check is a current and/or previous employer check. Your current and/or previous employers within the past 10 years at a minimum must be listed on your job application (most recent in descending order), even if the job or duties are unrelated to the position for which you are applying. Incomplete employer information (address, phone number, and supervisor) or omission of former employers may result in a disqualification of your application.
• The Diana Screen?, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether I am selected.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• Transportation of youth in state vehicles. Travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go tospb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Terra.Diehl@state.co.us

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs .

Our Values:

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans .

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#eoe)

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support  

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Are you at least 21 years of age at the time of submitting this application?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

03

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

04

Have you ever been terminated, resigned, or received disciplinary action?

• Yes
• No

05

If you have ever been terminated, resigned, or received disciplinary action, please explain the circumstances below.

06

Please indicate your experience with residential treatment, mental health, law enforcement, and / or correctional settings. Check all that apply:

• Youth
• Adult
• Detention
• Treatment
• Residential Programs
• Mental Health Facilities
• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Social Work
• Parole and Probation

07

Please indicate the other youth-specific experiences you may have from the choices below. Check all that apply:

• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Educational Setting
• Behavioral Intrevention
• Restitution/Commitment
• Faith Based Programs
• Other

08

Describe how the experiences listed above have given you the skill sets necessary to motivate and empower our youth and be an exceptional leader to our teams.

09

Our teams provide cognitive, emotional, and behavioral support to our youth both as a function of their daily interactions and through structured programming. Please indicate the areas where you have experience as the person responsible for delivering programming:

• One-on-One Treatment
• Group Treatment
• Drug/ Alcohol
• RCJ
• Education
• Social Skills
• Anger Management
• Evidence- Based
• Other

10

How often have you been in a Lead or Supervisor role during the last year?

• Weekly
• Monthly
• Intermittently
• Never

11

Describe the opportunities and challenges you have had as an FTO, Lead Worker or Supervisor. What have you learned about the youth center, systems, team, and yourself?

12

When assigning staff duties and youth center routines, how do you prioritize what needs to be done? How do you determine who is assigned to different posts?

13

As a CYSO II, you will be required to ensure that the youth center is adequately staffed. If you have a CYSOI who is not willing to stay for mandatory overtime, what steps would you take to make sure that minimum coverage numbers are met for the oncoming shift?

14

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

15

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?

• Yes
• No

16

Do you have a current, valid and unrestricted CO drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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