Youth Program Specialist II
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$26.520

Job Posting:
JR2024-00009767 Youth Program Specialist II (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:
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!

As a Youth Security Specialist II you will:

• Provide direct supervision of adolescents by maintaining a secure, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Implement individual treatment plans.
• Observe and document daily behaviors.
• Be able to be Medication Aide trained in order to pass medications to the youth.
• Occasionally be responsible for transporting youth to appointments or off grounds activities.

PAY RATE: $26.520 per hour.

There is currently one - 2nd Shift position available, 3:00pm-11:00p.m. with Monday and Tuesday 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. Must possess a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

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.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

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