Youth Development Specialist II 2026-00721

About the role

The Wyoming Girls’ School (WGS) is a therapeutic and educational facility dedicated to helping court-ordered girls aged 12-21 build brighter futures. Our mission is to provide trauma-responsive care in a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Act as a positive role model, providing mentorship and emotional support to residents.
• Communicate and document the individual needs of each resident, collaborating with families and staff to tailor their care plans.
• Safeguard residents during daily activities, ensuring they meet program expectations.
• Manage crises with professionalism and in compliance with training in de-escalation techniques.
• Lead residents in structured activities, promoting personal growth and accountability.
• Safely transport residents to off-campus activities and appointments.
• Explain program rules, policies, and expectations to new residents during their intake process.
• Support educational goals by encouraging academic progress and assisting with assignments.
• Aid residents with medications and ensure their medical needs are met.
• Promote a positive, trauma-informed culture that fosters trust, growth, and healing.

Qualifications

• Understanding of trauma-informed care and youth development principles.
• Familiarity with safety and security protocols in a residential setting.
• Proficiency in crisis management techniques.

Requirements

• Education & Experience:
• Minimum Qualifications: Associate's Degree (typically in Social Services)
• Experience: 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Youth Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Youth Services Specialist

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations effectively.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Experience working with adolescents.
• Basic understanding of mental health and behavioral health concepts.

Benefits

The State of Wyoming's total compensation package includes:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement investment options with employer contributions.
• Comprehensive Benefits package including Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Short Term Disability, and more with an employer contribution toward premiums.
• Longevity Pay.

Pay

The pay range for this position is TBD.

Schedule

The Youth Development Specialist works during active programming hours (12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.).

Contact

For more information, visit the Wyoming Department of Family Services website.

Human Resource Contact: kristin.martinez@wyo.gov