Job Description

JJYS Lead Youth Development Specialist - Salt Lake Valley Detention Center

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $23.08 - $35.70 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Kendra Keller | kendrakeller@utah.gov
Application Deadline – 7/28/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a motivated candidate who has the ability to engage youth, in a positive way. If you have the passion & drive to make a difference in a young individual’s life, apply today! Lead Youth Development Specialists counsel and supervise youth with complex behaviors. You will serve as a lead worker and functionally supervise subordinates in the areas of scheduling shift work, training, treatment planning, program facilitation and development in a facility or in the community. You will provide security, supervision and direction of youth with complex behavioral problems to ensure that adequate standards of conduct, health, safety, housekeeping and recreation are maintained.

• Oversees and works closely with high risk/volatile youth with complex behavioral problems.

• Assesses client physical, mental, social and behavioral needs.

• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans.

• Conducts individual, family, or group counseling sessions in accordance with the established treatment plan

• Identifies and applies appropriate security, safety, and control intervention techniques.

• Supervises youth with complex behavioral needs.

• Writes court reports, parole summaries, treatment plans and supervision standards.

• Leads or functionally supervises staff; delegates work assignments, monitors/reviews quality of work, schedules staff, provides technical assistance or training, provides input on performance appraisals, hiring and discipline.

• Makes decisions consistent with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

• Transport youth

• Speaks clearly, concisely and effectively. Is able to listen to (and understand) information as presented verbally. Will need to be able to read and understand written information.

• Has passed the Integrated Crisis Response (ICR) intervention program within 90 days of employment (coordinated by Juvenile Justice).

Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates 21 years of age and a high school diploma or GED.

Six years of paid working experience with troubled or at-risk youth; six years of full-time education or a combination of education and experience to equal six years. A valid Utah Driver's License.

Qualifying work experience Paid work at any JJYS facility, Utah State Hospital, Utah State Developmental Center, private residential youth programs, alternative schools, juvenile probation/ parole, Law enforcement, or programs that work with at-risk or delinquent youths.

Non-qualifying work experience: Volunteer work with youth and unpaid experience

About the Role

Location –
3450 S 900 W
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required –
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

JJYS team members have the unique opportunity to see the impacts of their hard work and dedication to improve the well-being of youth. JJYS team members provide critical support and guidance to youth at-risk for delinquency while they transition into adulthood. Together, we can help improve the lives and welfare of young people in the care of JJYS.

The State of Utah offers a total compensation package that consists of much more than your paycheck. Some of the generous benefits that the State of Utah provides are:

Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.

Dental and Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.

Paid Leave 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, 12 paid holidays

Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.

AdditionalBenefits: Employee discount program, free counseling and wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement and much more.

The Agency

The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to providing care for individuals and families in Utah. Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) provides a continuum of prevention, intervention, supervision and rehabilitation services and programs to youth offenders while assuring public safety. For more information on Juvenile Justice and Youth Services with the Department of Health and Human Services, please click here!

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

Supplemental Information

• High risks in this job include physical intervention with clients in order to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations.

Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted.