Youth Program Officer I- $5,000 Sign on Incentive (Incentive for External New Hire Applicants)

Job Posting Title:

Youth Program Officer I- $5,000 Sign on Incentive (Incentive for External New Hire Applicants)

Department:

Youth Services Center

Location:

5100 SECOND ST NW

Pay:

Union Rate $25.54

Close Date:

May 1, 2026

$25.54 Hourly

The classification will provide direct supervision, care, and treatment of residents who are in custody with Youth Services Center or its programs. Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbance, escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community. Process new residents, to include strip search, shower, issue of clothing, and orientation of the rules and regulations of the Youth Services Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain security, order and discipline to prevent disturbance, escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff and the community.
2. Process new residents, including strip searching and showering, issuance of clothing, and orientation to the rules and regulations of the Youth Services Center.
3. Maintain a written log of behavioral incidents and observation of residents; is aware of resident's room assignments; and monitors resident's physical location always.
4. Evaluate, recommend and implement programs that include education of residents in daily living skills, social skills and work/study habits.
5. Counsel residents in group and individual sessions.
6. Provide oral and written reports on residents to supervisors regarding their progress and problems of residents under the custody of Youth Services Center and its managed programs.
7. Assign and monitor activities of residents; supervise residents in physical education and recreational activities.
8. Observe and search residents and inspect and search facility as needed.
9. Transport residents to court, hospitals or other facilities and service locations outside of the Youth Services Center.
10. Physically restrain violent residents, and if necessary, pursue residents on foot, in the case of escape attempts.
11. Initiate contacts with parents, legal guardian, Probation and Parole Officers and other agencies.
12. Assist in the intake process when assigned.
13. Intake assignment also includes handling the control center, answering the telephone, and responding to visitors, court and law enforcement officers and others with business at Youth Services Center.
14. Any one position may not include all duties listed. However, the allocation of positions will be determined by the amount of time spent in performing the essential duties listed above.
15. Perform other operational job-related duties and on the job training as required or assigned.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma and two (2) years post High School related experience working with youth or (2) years working in a security field or providing direct patient care. Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
2. Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
3. Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
4. Employee must undergo 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and “A Level” Restraint Training. Employee must maintain certification in these areas every six months.
5. Employee must comply with Bernalillo County safety policy requirements to include use of an OSHA approved respirator when required.
6. Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while employed in this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) with some outdoor work (10%). Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment. Outdoor duties typically involve transportation of residents and recreational activities with residents.
2. Work hazards or potential work hazards include a possibility of personal injury from violent residents or heavy exertion activities while restraining or pursuing residents.
3. Employee may be required to do shift work.
4. Work hazards or potential work hazards include working in assignments and areas possibly exposed to infectious disease which require the use of an OSHA approved respirator.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

1. Utilizes computers and communication equipment daily.
2. Utilizes recreational/sports equipment, facility keys, handcuffs and shackles on a frequent basis.
3. Worker handles fire extinguishers and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
4. Operates a County vehicle as necessary.
5. Must be able to use when appropriate an OSHA approved respirator to include medical evaluation for respirator use and fit testing for proper sealing.