Youth Program Specialist
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:
Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate:
$26.520

Job Posting:
JR2024-00007825 Youth Program Specialist (Evergreen) (Open)

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

Job Description:
Unlock Potential, Ignite Futures!

At the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, we're not just about words - we're about action! Our Youth Program Specialists are the driving force behind transformation, inspiring youth to believe in themselves and the endless possibilities that await them. Join our dynamic team and become a catalyst for change. Together, let's empower youth to embrace their strengths and chart a course to success. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of our journey to greatness!

The Department of Health and Human Services Youth Program Specialist provides life skill training, recreational activities, and safety and treatment services to high acuity youth at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney.

Duties Include:
• Supervise youth in daily activities
• Document behavior
• Respond to crisis situations
• Serve as a role model to the youth.
• May be required to transport youth.
• Work requires physical stamina/strength, standing, walking, occasional lifting and the ability to physically intervene if needed.

You have the passion, we have the opportunities - let's make a difference for Nebraskans

We recognize our employees bring tremendous value to the State of Nebraska and 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. See more details about our benefits here: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license.

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. Experience working with youth/adolescents strongly preferred

Hiring rate of position is $ 26.52/hour plus shift differential for qualifying shifts. Second and Third shifts available.

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.

The Department of Health and Human Services uses behavioral based questions when conducting interviews. Please review the attached documentto learn more about the STAR Method, and how you can best prepare if you are selected for an interview!

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Children and Family Services, please visit our website, http://dhhs.ne.gov/careers


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.