JJYS Lead Youth Development Specialist- Secure Care Support Team; Salt Lake

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $23.08

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Final date to receive applications – 9/14/2026*

• Oversees and works closely with high risk/volatile youth with complex behavioral problems.
• Assist the treatment team with assessing client physical, mental, social and behavioral needs.
• Assists the treatment team in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans or Specialized Intervention Plans.
• Identifies and applies appropriate security, safety, and control intervention techniques.
• Supervises youth with complex behavioral needs including working one-on-one with youth to develop skills consistent with JJYS implemented evidence-based programming and practices.
• Collaborates on writing court reports, parole summaries, treatment plans and supervision standards.
• Leads or functionally coaches staff in implementing and maintaining Specialized Intervention Plans ; monitors/reviews quality of work consistent with the developed Specialized Intervention Plan, provides technical assistance or training specific to the developed Specialized Intervention Plan.
• Makes decisions consistent with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis including collaboration with Qualified Mental Health Professionals to create, implement, and maintain Specialized Interventions plans for youth.
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; be able to listen to (and understand) information as presented verbally; 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).
• Employees will be assigned a base location; however, they will also be required to travel to and work in other secure facilities during their normal work schedule.

Minimum Requirements

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, people with disabilities or individuals with mental illness; 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, programs that serve people with disabilities or individuals with mental illness.

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

3450 South 900 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119

United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required –

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

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.

• 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.

The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to providing care for individuals and families of 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.

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 .

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