Youth Specialist Supervisor

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

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. a. Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in major in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field of study; AND

b. Have had at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in a correctional childcare institution;

OR

2. a. Have completed two (2) years of college from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in major in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field of study; AND

b. Have had at least four (4) years of full-time work experience in a correctional childcare institution;

OR

3. a. Have completed one (1) year of college from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in major in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field of study; AND

b. Have had at least five (5) years of full-time work experience in a correctional childcare institution;

OR

4. a. Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) Test; AND

b. Have had at least six (6) years of full-time work experience in a correctional childcare institution.

5. Have not been convicted of a felony violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law, and liquor law.)

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

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable ability to communicate effectively, plan, assign, and review the duties of Youth Specialists.
• 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 ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

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 maintain a valid United States vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
• Must submit to immunizations as requested by the Department of Health & Human Services and to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest X-rays at County expense.
• Drive designated County-owned vehicle when on-duty, unless directed otherwise.
• Must become certified as an instructor in the facility's approved crisis prevention/physical management program. Certification must be maintained and renewed annually.
• 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 Department of Human Services (DHS) 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

• Functions as a working supervisor of Youth Specialists on designated shift within assigned unit(s).  Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks, and assists in appraising performance. Assists in investigating, advising, and participating in employee disciplinary matters. Participates in decisions to hire, discharge and award pay increases or promotions. May at times be the designated Youth Specialist Supervisor immediately in charge of the facility, and during those times would be responsible for making decisions requiring immediate action and communicating with appropriate administrators who may not be on site.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides for the safety, security, and welfare of residents on assigned shift in Children's Village.  Promotes a positive image of the facility by adhering to regulations and policies such as Merit System Rules, state licensing rules, Employee‑Right to Know, Michigan Clean‑Air Act and various civil rights, legislative acts, as well as the "Mission and Purpose" statement of the division, existing standards for residential child‑caring practices and related codes of ethics. Interprets administrative policy and works to ensure adherence, taking a clear and consistent approach.
• Actively participates in the preparation of a comprehensive weekly program schedule for designated shift and assigned unit, which includes school, work, recreation, and other activities for the residents. Ensures plans adhere to licensing regulations and applicable laws.
• Supervises full and part-time Youth Specialists on assigned shift within designated unit and prepares work schedules, including the reassignment of staff to respond to changing conditions and the scheduling of staff on an emergency basis. Ensures Youth Specialists perform duties in accordance with prescribed/individualized treatment‑service plans.
• Interacts and communicates with at-risk adolescents residing at Children's Village. 
• Orient new residents to the facility and its policies, rules, and procedures.
• Coordinates and confers with Program Supervisors and other Youth Specialist Supervisors on other shifts to ensure smooth operations on assigned shift.
• Actively participates in unit meetings and meetings with program staff and other team members. Provides input regarding residents and operational needs and concerns.
• Responds to emergency calls in accordance with the facility's emergency code system which include medical emergencies, fights, self-abuse, suicide attempts, escapes and attempted escapes, assaults toward staff, destruction of property and riot control.
• Provides crisis intervention in addition to physically restraining and or moving violent or uncontrolled youths when necessary.
• Assist in searches for escapees/runaways from the facility. At times, may be responsible for coordinating/leading the search by communicating with other facility personnel and/or law enforcement officers via two-way radio, telephone, or other communications devices. May be required to physically restrain resident in order to prevent an escape/runaway from the facility.
• Acts as a liaison between Children's Village staff, caseworkers, parents, counselors, clinic and school personnel, and other referral source personnel.
• Investigates, in conjunction with the Program Supervisor, grievances from residents and/or parents, working with counselors, clinicians and appropriate Youth Specialists. Compiles necessary written reports and forwards them to the Administrator.
• Maintains responsibility for identifying potential risk‑management concerns on designated shift within assigned unit, advising administration regarding related issues, implementing immediate remedial action, and investigating and documenting such issues.
• Performs or assists other agency personnel in the performance of admission and intake duties when assigned or when necessary. This includes in‑depth interviews with residents through communications during the intake process, and related computer tasks.
• Aids in the development and enforcement of policies and procedures reflecting administrative policy and licensing guidelines in addition to preparing and maintaining a unit operational manual reflecting these policies and procedures.
• Provides training to staff members and ensures that current staff receives appropriate in-service training.
• Responsible for building security during assigned shift, including observance of health and fire regulations.
• Ensure building(s) are secure and keys are accounted for when shift is turned over to the following shift.
• Assists the Program Supervisor in ordering and maintaining unit supplies and articles necessary for orderly operations including household supplies, stationery stock, recreation equipment, clothing, linens, and security equipment.  Maintains inventory and accounting records.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Issues and logs non-prescription medication given to residents. Contacts nursing staff when additional medical attention is needed.
• Responsible for food ordering, meal counts, and records of food consumed in order to ensure accuracy and adherence to the Michigan Department of Education food funding regulations.
• Performs public relations duties such as conducting tours of Children's Village, when assigned.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical juvenile residential setting.
• Close contact with people that could become confrontational.
• May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.