JJYS Lead Youth Development Specialist - Salt Lake Valley Detention Center

About the role

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Lead Youth Development Specialist to join Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS). JJYS provides a continuum of prevention, intervention, supervision, and rehabilitation services and programs to youth offenders while ensuring public safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsel and supervise youth with complex behaviors.
• Serve as a lead worker and functionally supervise subordinates in areas such as scheduling, training, treatment planning, program facilitation, and development.
• Ensure adequate standards of conduct, health, safety, housekeeping, and recreation are maintained.
• Oversee and work closely with high-risk/volatile youth with complex behavioral problems.
• Assess client physical, mental, social, and behavioral needs and develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Conduct individual, family, or group counseling sessions in accordance with the established treatment plan.
• Identify and apply appropriate security, safety, and control intervention techniques.
• Supervise youth with complex behavioral needs.
• Write court reports, parole summaries, treatment plans, and supervision standards.
• Lead or functionally supervise staff; delegate work assignments, monitor/review quality of work, schedule staff, provide technical assistance or training, provide input on performance appraisals, hire, and discipline.
• Makes decisions consistent with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Transport youth.
• Speak clearly, concisely, and effectively; listen to and understand information as presented verbally; read and understand written information.
• Pass the Integrated Crisis Response (ICR) intervention program within 90 days of employment (coordinated by Juvenile Justice).

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Utah Driver's License.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Background check required.
• Drug test required.

Skills

Strong communication skills, ability to work with diverse populations, and knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis are essential.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contributes to improving the well-being of youth.
• Supportive Work Environment: Values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Additional Benefits: Employee discount program, free counseling and wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement, and much more.

Pay

$23.08 - $35.70 hourly wage.

Schedule

Remote work / In-office - In-office / On-site.