Educational Youth Development Officer

Educational Youth Development Officer

Salary

$52,291.20 Annually

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17048

Department

Juvenile Probation Department

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About The Opportunity Center:

The Opportunity Center is a career readiness academy that empowers justice-involved youth through high-quality education, career readiness, vocational training, enrichment opportunities, and real-world work experiences. From the first day students walk through our doors until they transition into the community as confident young adults, we provide the structure, support, and opportunities needed to develop academically, professionally, and personally. Through a culture of accountability, belonging, and high expectations, we prepare every student with the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence to succeed in education, employment, and life while becoming positive contributors to their families and communities.

Position Overview:

The Youth Development Officer (YDO) serves as a mentor, coach, and positive role model. Working within a structured, supportive, and accountability-driven environment, the YDO promotes student safety, personal growth, academic achievement, workforce readiness, and positive decision-making. Through daily interactions, coaching, supervision, and relationship-building, the YDO reinforces the professional behaviors, social-emotional skills, and character traits necessary for success in education, employment, and life.

Youth Development Officers collaborate with teachers, Emerging Adult Specialists (EAS), therapists, vocational instructors, and other multidisciplinary team members to support each students Individual Development Plan (IDP) while helping students achieve their educational, vocational, behavioral, and career readiness goals. In addition to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment, Youth Development Officers are expected to model professionalism, accountability, respect, integrity, teamwork, communication, punctuality, and other career readiness behaviors that prepare students to become productive members of their families, workplaces, and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Student Development

• Mentor and coach students

• Reinforce career readiness behaviors and professional expectations.

• Support GED completion & vocational training

• Utilize Rewire CBT, motivational interviewing, restorative practices, and de-escalation techniques.

• Manage an assigned caseload and monitor student progress through Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

• Safety & Security

• Maintain a safe, structured, and orderly learning environment.

• Assist in the transportation of students to and from school

• Conduct pat-down searches in accordance with HCJPD policy.

• Utilize approved restraint and crisis intervention techniques when necessary.

• Documentation & Case Management

• Prepare weekly caseload reports.

• Complete behavioral documentation and incident reports.

• Participate in Care Team & multidisciplinary staffing meetings.

• Collaborate with EAS staff, therapists, teachers, and vocational instructors.

• Model workplace professionalism and career readiness behaviors at all times.

• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.

• Support the mission, vision, and values of the Opportunity Center.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
• A minimum of sixty (60) college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) year of full-time paid experience working with justice-impacted youth.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to perform searches in accordance with HCJPD policies & procedures.
• Working knowledge of how to use office equipment.
• Working knowledge of behavior intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques

Licensure:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with appropriate liability auto insurance coverage.

Additional Requirements:

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county's drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Working knowledge of JPD restraint and/or crisis intervention plan.
• Familiarity with JPD policies & procedures, departmental guidelines, federal, state, and local statutes.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time

• Monday - Friday | During school hours.

Salary:

• $52,291.20 Annually

Open Position Location:

• The Opportunity Center - 6500 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Not Applicable

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Have you completed sixty (60) college credit hours from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience working with justice-impacted youth? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year but less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more
• I do not have this experience

04

Do you have a working knowledge of JPD restraint and/or crisis intervention plan?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have familiarity with JPD policies & procedures, departmental guidelines, federal, state, and local statutes?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you bilingual in Spanish?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

08

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Drivers License?

• Yes, I have a Valid Texas Drivers License
• Yes, I have a Valid Drivers License but understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Drivers License prior to start date
• No, unable to obtain licensure

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx