DESCRIPTION

Are you passionate in making a difference in the lives of troubled youth? Do you want to be a driving force of change? Apply today as a Youth Program Officer and serve as a role model for residents to observe and learn socially effective values, attitudes, and behaviors.

China Spring Youth Camp, located in Douglas County, Nevada, is dedicated to helping male and female, mid-level offenders between the ages of 12 and 18 develop skills, knowledge, and experience to promote health and resiliency, and arrest-progression of problems caused by delinquent behavior. Camp provides behavioral healthcare services, including services for co-occurring issues, to youth and their families.

Our philosophy is one of honor, trust, and accountability. We are dedicated to helping at-risk adolescents define their values using the least restrictive means necessary. We provide structure and programs to help adolescents become productive members of their families and community.

China Spring Youth Camp is a 24/7 facility and employees are required to work rotating day, swing, and graveyard shifts. Visit http://chinaspringyouthcamp.com/ to learn more.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Health Insurance: County provides medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and dependents with co-payment by employee dependent and/or family status. Benefits are effective the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
• Vacation: Accrued at the rate of 4.6154 hours per pay period, or 120 hours per year (increase with years of service). Vacation may be utilized after six months of employment.
• Sick Leave: Earned at the rate of 3.3846 hours per pay period, or 88 hours per year. Sick leave may be utilized when accrued.
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), 29.75% employer-paid.
• Deferred Compensation: the County has a voluntary deferred compensation program.
• Douglas County is a drug, alcohol and smoke-free workplace.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Stable, friendly/family environment. Fosters internal talent with training/educational programs and encourages career advancement.

DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for performing a variety of direct care services to adjudicated youth between the ages of 12 and 18 in a staff secure residential facility; ensures safety, health, and welfare of the youth while supervising day-to-day activities. This position is part of a job family. Initially, under close field training supervision, incumbents learn specific program and departmental policies, procedures, and rules. As experience is gained, candidates operate more independently within general organizational guidelines and have an opportunity to progress within the job family if management determines the required training, certifications, and time in the position are obtained, in addition to, performance measures meeting a satisfactory standard or higher.

**Applications are reviewed on a regular basis and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Individuals are encouraged to apply immediately.**

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises youth in day-to-day activities including, but not limited to: routine cleaning and sanitation, shower and hygiene, recreation and education services, culinary, phone calls, meals, snacks, visits, church services, in-camp details, and out -of-camp community details.
• Maintains sight and sound supervision; accounts for youth under direct supervision; observes and addresses behaviors and implements interventions and discipline as appropriate.
• Processes youths arriving and departing the camp, including but not limited to the issuance of clothing, bedding, and personal items; inventories and inspects clothing and property brought in by the youth and secures any unapproved items or returns to the juvenile probation officer immediately upon inspection; provides orientation for new arrivals; explains procedures, daily routines, and rules of conduct.
• Completes forms, daily logs, briefings, and other shift documents.
• During training, will observe and assist in the facilitation of small group counseling sessions; throughout training may conduct regularly scheduled group sessions based upon cultural diversity, life skills, character development, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Escorts youths between camp areas; transports and supervises youths during out-of-camp appointments or activities in public settings with a Field Training Officer.
• Assists with and documents self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medication; provides first aid as required; observes, reports and documents all symptoms of illness/disease.
• Performs room inspections and contraband searches; ensures that all areas are safe, secure, sanitary, and free of contraband; inventories and maintains accountability for keys, equipment, tools, and supplies; will perform physical searches, as needed, and adheres to established safety, security, and emergency preparedness protocols to ensure the safety of youth and self.
• Practices other emergency management preparedness evacuation and crisis-prevention protocols; as a last resort will be required to use physical and mechanical restraint methods.
• Interacts with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience
Youth Program Officer
High School diploma or equivalent; completion of forty-eight (48) credits from an accredited college or university with coursework in behavioral sciences, human services, social work, or closely-related field, OR two (2) years qualifying experience in a juvenile facility, related justice program, military, or in law enforcement; AND must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age at date of employment.
Youth Program Officer I
Bachelor’s Degree preferred in counseling, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral science, and one (1) year of experience working with at-risk youth. Equivalent training and experience may substitute for education on a year-to-year basis to include working with youth in some capacity and military experience. Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age at date of employment.
Youth Program Officer II
Bachelor’s Degree preferred in counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or other behavioral science, OR equivalent experience, education, or training working with at-risk youth. Three hundred (300) cumulative hours of individual and group counseling experience. Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age at date of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• 
  Safety and security practices related to a staff secure facility;
• Child or adolescent development;
• State and federal juvenile laws and regulations;
• Proper cleaning methods and the safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, custodial tools, and equipment; and
• Standard office practices and procedures, including report writing and records management.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms;
• Building relationships with both youth and staff; and
• Observational skills to accurately assess, record, and intervene appropriately with youth behavior.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply policies and procedures;
• Exercise appropriate restraint of youth, both physically and non-physically;
• Maintain accurate, clear, and concise reports;
• Provide physical care and emotional support to youth;
• Communicate effectively in person, in writing, or over the phone; and
• Use tact, discretion, and prudence in detail with those contacted in the course of work.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Youth Program Officer

• Driver's License.
• First Aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogen training within ninety (90) days of employment.
• JIREH Level A certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training within ninety (90) days of employment.

Youth Program Officer I

• Driver's License.
• First Aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogen training within ninety (90) days of employment.
• JIREH Level A Certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training within ninety (90) days of employment.

Youth Program Officer II

• Driver's License.
• 16-40 hours of evidence-based training, or equivalent.
• First Aid, CPR, or bloodborne pathogen training within ninety (90) days of employment.
• JIREH Level A Certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Training in Girl’s Circle/Boy’s Council for Young Men, Aggression Replacement Training within ninety (90) days of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical staff secure facility and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time and keep up with the movement of youth, and strength and ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to subdue and restrain juveniles; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone, in person, and using radio systems. The ability to appropriately handle stress and interact with others, including supervisors, co-workers, youth, and the public. Work is subject to evening, weekend, split, and holiday shifts. Must maintain regular and consistent punctuality and attendance. Incumbent is subject to exposure to blood and air borne diseases. Work is performed in a potentially hostile, emotionally stressful environment with challenging youth.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.