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

$65,234 - $65,234
This position is on-site

Are you a compassionate leader who is committed to supporting at-risk youth while guiding a team in a structured residential environment? If you thrive in a role that combines supervision, mentorship, and meaningful impact, this position offers the opportunity to help create a safe, supportive, and structured setting for young people.

What You’ll Do

• Ensure the safety, security, and overall welfare of youths on your assigned shift within designated residential unit(s).
• Supervise and support Youth Specialists, providing direction, guidance, and oversight to ensure duties are performed in accordance with policies and individualized service plans.
• Assist in preparing weekly written program schedules, including a structured 24-hour schedule of educational, recreational, and daily living activities for residents.
• Develop and manage staff work schedules for Youth Specialists on the assigned shift to maintain adequate coverage and effective operations.
• Serve as a liaison between youths and involved parties, including staff, families, and other professionals, fostering positive communication and collaboration.
• Perform admission and intake duties for residents during assigned shifts, ensuring proper documentation and orientation to facility expectations.
• Utilize Countywide and department-specific software systems to maintain records, complete reports, and support daily operations.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Make a meaningful impact by supporting the growth, safety, and well-being of youth in a structured residential environment.
• Lead and mentor a dedicated team committed to helping young people succeed.
• Work in a dynamic role that combines leadership, program coordination, and direct interaction with residents.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines to support positive outcomes for youth.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on providing safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate care for residents.

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