Youth Behavioral Specialist

About the Position

The city of Las Vegas invites applications for Youth Behavioral Specialist. This position assists in the daily administration and operation of assigned programs and services in the Department of Youth Development and Social Initiatives, including Safekey before- and after-school programs and other specialized programs designed to support Pre-K-12 education. Addresses more complex or escalated participant behavior/group management and customer service issues. Implements and coordinates a variety of youth development programming throughout the city. Provides customer service to patrons. Oversees part-time, hourly and volunteer staff.

A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a city position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only. The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list. The eligible list will remain in effect for a period of 6 months from the date of certification and may be extended for a period of up to 2 years.

Eligible List

You must score 70% or higher on the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Essential Functions:

• Implements, coordinates and participates in a variety of educational, youth enrichment, and recreational activities and programs to support behavioral and group management needs for both early childhood education programs and before- and after-school elementary programs.
• Identifies, prepares, conducts and participates in specialty training specific to behavioral management and group management techniques, as well as provides direct and indirect support to full-time, hourly and volunteer staff in these areas.
• Works directly and indirectly with program participants and solicits input from participants, parents, guardians and program staff to evaluate and provide support for behavioral needs. Makes recommendations on compatibility of participant behavior within program constraints.
• Provides technical assistance and support to full-time and hourly staff regarding specialized activities, tools, resources, strategies and equipment.
• Conducts, maintains, trains and reports on behavior intervention plans, needs assessments, site evaluations and all other behavioral management or group management support modalities.
• Maintains documentation for all related programs, interventions and associated participants, which may include behavior reports, observation documentation, staff training logs, staff schedules, etc.; prepares statistical and summary reports as needed.
• Conducts and participates in parent/guardian meetings.
• Receives and responds to complex and sensitive issues. Handles inquiries and complaints from start through resolution in an efficient and timely manner.
• Supervises hourly employees, instructors and volunteers; participates in recruiting and selecting job applicants; provides training and oversees work; approves and processes timecards; may make recommendations for terminations.
• Ensures hourly employees adhere to established work methods, and techniques; informs and trains hourly employees on applicable city and department policies, procedures, standards and specifications; reviews needs with appropriate supervisory and management staff.
• Plans and coordinates hourly staff schedules to support group management and behavioral support needs.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of program goals, objectives, standards, policies and procedures. Participates in the review and development of department policies and procedures as necessary.
• Enforces facility, department and city rules, regulations, standards and safety procedures. Identifies training needs, designs and delivers trainings in small group and auditorium-style settings, evaluates training effectiveness.
• Maintains proficient working knowledge and practical application of the programs’ web-based software management system for accessing participant profiles, attendance and registration records, etc.
• Ensures program compliance with federal, state and local regulations and legislation.

• Attends and participates in professional group meetings. Stays abreast of new trends, programs and innovations.
• Provides front-line program services or runs activities as needed.
• Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files; performs a variety of record keeping, filing, and other general clerical work.
• Answers telephones, types, files and photocopies materials as needed.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience/Training:

1. Associate's or higher degree in education, enrichment, child development, youth programming, case management, public administration, psychology, sociology, recreation programming, or a related field. One (1) year (full-time) experience providing youth behavioral support services working in education, enrichment, child development, youth programming, case management, public administration or recreation programming.

OR

2. Equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years of full-time experience providing youth behavioral support services working in education, enrichment, child development, youth programming, case management, public administration, or recreation programming.

Any work experience, paid internships, work study, or volunteer assignments in the area of youth development is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a valid driver’s license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of Child & Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certificate is required within 90 days of date of hire, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of a non-violent crisis intervention or verbal de-escalation certification is desirable.

Special Requirements

Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge of:

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and software.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles and procedures of program development and implementation.
Principles of lead supervision and training.
Techniques used in public relations and customer services practices.
Design and preparation of publicity and promotional materials.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Basic first aid.
Principles and best practices in recreation, enrichment, education and/or youth development program planning.
General de-escalation techniques and practices.
General knowledge of child development, lesson planning, and curriculum development.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and safety regulations affecting recreational, early childhood education, and out-of-school time facilities and activities.

Skills in:

Leading the activities of others and directing the work of youth development programs.
Organizing, leading and overseeing the work of volunteers and part-time staff.
Maintaining records and reports.
Training and supervising assistants and volunteers.
Creating and implementing tracking tools, training tools and guides.
Collecting, recording, and summarizing data on observable youth behaviors.
Understanding the fundamental principles of behavior management and group management and how to implement them effectively.
Identifying, understanding, and managing challenging behaviors using evidence-based strategies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with youth, families, and other professionals.
Safety, security, physical restraints, and behavior management procedures as requested.

Ability to:

Plan, organize and prioritize assignments.
Recruit, select, train and evaluate part-time and hourly staff.
Manage multiple assignments.
Meet critical deadlines.
Demonstrate effective problem solving skills.
Think and act quickly in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Facilitate resolution of conflicts, make sound decisions and use good judgment under stressful conditions.
Communicate with individuals from a variety of social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds while demonstrating respect and sensitivity for perceived differences.
Use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

Environmental Conditions:

Office and both indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens; occasional exposure to noise and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions require:

Maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
- Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time; and
- Working with children exhibiting escalated behaviors.
- Operating assigned equipment.
Maintaining effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
- Making observations;
- Communicating with others;
- Reading and writing; and
- Operating assigned equipment
Maintaining cognitive capacity which allows the capability of:
- Making sound decisions; and
- Effective interaction and communication with others.

COMPENSATION

Annual Base Pay Increases

• Negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process.
• Step (Merit) Increase – typically awarded on the anniversary date of hire, up to range maximum.

BENEFITS

Uniform Allowance

• Available for some classifications.

Tool/Equipment Allowance

• Available for some classifications.

Retirement

• Benefit eligible employees participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (PERS). PERS, a statewide defined benefit plan, calculates retirement benefits based on 2.25 percent (current percentage for employees hired 7/1/15 and after)for each year of service, applied to the employee’s highest consecutive 36-month average salary. PERS also requires that employees share 50 percent of the PERS contribution, which is implemented by reducing the city’s salary ranges. The highest consecutive 36-month average salary is increased commensurate with the salary range reductions required by PERS.

Deferred Compensation

• The city offers a 457(b) Plan which is a government deferred compensation plan similar to a 401(k) plan. It offers both pre-tax and after-tax savings and investment options.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Employees are covered the first of the month following date of employment. Five medical plans, two dental, and two vision plans are available. City pays 100% of employee premium + 50% of dependent premium.

Life and AD&D Insurance

• City provides $20,000 insurance at no cost.
• Additional voluntary life insurance and AD&D insurance available for purchase.

Disability Insurance

• City provides a long term disability policy:
  • LTD: Employees who normally work at least 30 hours/week are eligible. Benefits may begin after 90 days of an approved disability leave. Payment is up to 60% of earnings, up to $11,000/month, and may not be supplemented with sick or vacation.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS

• Employees covered by a City health plan and their covered spouse and dependents over age 18 are eligible for a comprehensive wellness physical exam annually at no cost to them at ARC Health and Wellness..

VACATION (Hours/Year)

• Year 1-2: 80 hours
• Years 3-7: 120 hours
• Years 8-10: 128 hours
• Years 11-15: 180 hours
• Year 16 and over: 200 hours
• Maximum accrual: 250 hours, if hired after 12/3/2014
• Sell-back: Up to 60 hours each year; must leave a balance of 40 hours in leave bank.

HOLIDAYS

• City provides 12 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday.

SICK LEAVE

• Sick Leave: 104 hours per year
• Maximum Accrual: 420 hours, if hired after 12/03/2014
• Sick Leave Bonus: Negotiated sick leave bonus
• Payout at Separation: See contract

RETIREE HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

• Available for purchase - retiree pays full cost of premiums.

NOTE: Benefits subject to change
Revised 12/10/2025