Youth Services Worker

State of Iowa - Executive Branch · Eldora, IA · 5 days ago

OTHRFull-time

About the role

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) is seeking a Youth Services Worker (YSW) to assist with the daily activities of students and maintain order in their living units. YSWs provide leadership and structure through regular interaction, guidance, and monitoring, serving as positive role models in language, behavior, and attitude.

STS offers a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program using evidence-based practices in a secure setting for males ages 12 to 18 who have been adjudicated delinquent. The goal is to successfully transition young men back into the community through individualized treatment plans and comprehensive education.

Responsibilities

Work with students during recreation and leisure time, teaching sportsmanship, fairness, decision-making, and emotional control.
Escort students to programs on campus and participate in various aspects of treatment programs.
Provide transportation for students when needed.
Create a safe environment through visual observation, hearing, and effective awareness skills.
Ensure students receive emergency medical assistance when needed.
Perform physical control and restraint of students using trained techniques and methods.
Assist in searches for missing students and monitor contraband.
Document headcounts, report security lapses or breakdowns, and perform other safety-related actions.
Communicate effectively to facilitate treatment programs.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or G.E.D.; OR two years of full-time work experience in a youth service program working directly in the treatment of adjudicated, at-risk, or other youths needing service or assistance.
Designated positions require a valid driver's license.
Successful completion of a background check.

Schedule

Full-time, 10-hour shifts, 4 days per week, typically consisting of evenings and weekends.

Pay

Base pay with a shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Low-cost health and dental insurance packages with outstanding coverage.
Paid Time Off: Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans: IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%, the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) and the Retirement Investors Club (RIC), with the State matching dollar-for-dollar up to $75/month.
Flexible Spending Accounts: For medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Life insurance and free long-term disability insurance.
Employee Assistance Program: Resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Discounts on a variety of goods and services.
On-Campus Workout Facilities: Free access to a gym with 3 full-size basketball courts, two fully stocked weight rooms, showers, lockers, and a cardio room featuring exercise mats, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

Location

STS is located in Eldora, Iowa, a community of approximately 2,800 residents in north-central Iowa. Eldora offers outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and a 9-hole golf course at Pine Lake State Park. Nearby cities include:

Ames (45 minutes away, home of Iowa State University).
Cedar Falls (45 minutes away, home of the University of Northern Iowa).
Iowa Falls (20 minutes away, home of Ellsworth Community College).
Des Moines (1 hour and 15 minutes away, Iowa’s capital).