Lead Youth Development Specialist - Salt Lake Valley Detention Center

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

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

Salary – $23.08 - $36.59 Hourly Wage

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

Final date to receive applications – 10/11/2026*

The Lead Youth Development Specialists counsels and supervises 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.
• Mentor youth within a group setting and help them develop positive plans and goals.
• Provide counseling to youth both individually and in groups surrounding program/facility rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• 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).

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

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

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture.

• 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…