Youth Specialist I - Juvenile Detention Center

About this role

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$45,808 - $59,768 This is an on-site position

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while helping create a safe, structured, and supportive environment? Join Oakland County Children’s Village, a 24/7 child-caring campus serving neglected and delinquent youth through secure, non-secure, and community-based programs.

What You’ll Do Supervise, support, and guide youth through their daily routines while maintaining a safe and structured living environment. Observe resident behavior, document progress and incidents, and actively contribute to individualized treatment plans. Collaborate with the treatment team to develop and implement strategies that support each resident’s needs and goals. Lead and encourage participation in educational, recreational, work, and other scheduled activities. Inspect living and sleeping areas to maintain security, identify concerns, and prevent potential incidents. Provide crisis intervention and, when necessary, use approved physical-restraint techniques to safely respond to aggressive or uncontrolled behavior. Transport residents safely to court appearances and program-related activities. Consistently follow administrative policies, state licensing requirements, and the mission and purpose of Children’s Village. Work assigned day, afternoon, midnight, and/or weekend shifts to support the facility’s 24/7 operations.

Why You’ll Love It Here Make a direct and meaningful impact on young people who need stability, guidance, and positive role models. Become an important member of a collaborative treatment team focused on residents’ safety, development, and long-term success. Build valuable experience in youth services, behavioral support, crisis intervention, and residential care. Enjoy meaningful, hands-on work where each day brings new opportunities to help youth grow. Serve your community while supporting the mission of Oakland County Children’s Village. Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test.

• Have passed his/her 21st birthday.

• Have not been convicted of a felony violation involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Previous work experience with youths either on a paid or volunteer basis.

• College study in the area of Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Criminal Justice.

• Considerable ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions by management.

• Considerable ability to prepare and present oral and written reports.

• Considerable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior in order to appropriately advise, instruct, and supervise residents.

• Considerable ability to cope with emergency or difficult situations requiring immediate

• decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with residents, other

• employees and the general public.

• Reasonable knowledge of residents' needs, habits, and characteristics of behavior.

• Reasonable ability to counsel, instruct, mentor, and actively supervise residents.

STANDARD PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Frequent to constant standing, walking, running, and lifting while supervising and observing residents and work activities with residents.

• Strength and dexterity of a degree to restrain residents when necessary.

• Sensory skills intact to be able to detect smoke, fire and contraband carried or being used by the residents.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS • Must submit to annual periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at County expense.

• Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

• Drive designated county-owned vehicle when on duty, unless directed otherwise.

• Must become certified in CPR and maintain certification annually.

• Before beginning employment, candidates will be required to provide Children’s Village with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing

• Children’s Village to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.

• Applicants for positions at Children’s Village will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following:

(a) Child Abuse or Neglect. (b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED • None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Supervises residents throughout daily activities and ensures participation in scheduled programming, including school, meals, recreation, and other assigned activi

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