Youth Program Officer II- $5,000 Sign on Incentive

Department: Youth Services Center · Location: 5100 Second St NW · Pay Rate: $29.70 (Union) · Close Date: September 12, 2026 · Sign-on Incentive: $5,000

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging, the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote and flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

Under general supervision of a Program Manager, the Youth Program Officer II provides direct supervision, care, and treatment of residents who are in the custody of the Youth Services Center or its programs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbance and escapes, and to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community.
• Serve as first-line lead worker to ensure shifts are fully staffed and that maintenance of units and facility security are maintained, including resident searches and facility inspections.
• Conduct and participate in in-service training and staff development programs.
• Assist in training, assigning, and leading subordinate staff.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement programs to educate residents in daily living skills, social skills, and work/study habits.
• Counsel residents in group and individual sessions.
• Review youth files/records to ensure accurate, updated documentation and provide oral and written reports to the Program Manager.
• Assign and monitor activities of residents; supervise residents in physical education and recreational activities.
• Transport residents to court, hospitals, or other facilities and service locations outside of the Youth Services Center.
• Physically restrain violent residents, and if necessary, pursue residents on foot in the case of escape attempts.
• Assure appropriate shift transition, including but not limited to accumulation of all pertinent documents, staffing issues, resident count, and equipment and keys.
• Initiate contacts with parents, legal guardians, Probation and Parole Officers, and other agencies.
• Perform other operational job-related duties and on-the-job training as required or assigned.

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. The above information 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

• Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement, Criminology, Psychology, or a related field, in addition to one (1) year of related experience working in a lockdown, secure, or correctional facility.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

Screening and Compliance Requirements

• Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
• Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
• Employee must undergo 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and "A Level" Restraint Training.
• Employee must undergo re-certification in these areas every six months.
• Employee must comply with Bernalillo County safety policy requirements, including use of an OSHA-approved respirator when required.
• 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

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. Work hazards or potential work hazards include the possibility of personal injury from violent residents or heavy-exertion activities while restraining or pursuing residents. Employee may be required to do shift work. Work hazards may also include working in assignments and areas possibly exposed to infectious disease, which require the use of an OSHA-approved respirator.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

• Utilizes computers and communication equipment daily.
• Utilizes recreational/sports equipment, facility keys, handcuffs, and shackles on a frequent basis.
• Handles fire extinguishers and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
• Operates a County vehicle as necessary.
• Must be able to use an OSHA-approved respirator when appropriate, including medical evaluation for respirator use and fit testing for proper sealing.