About The Position

The Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services is hiring a full-time, on-site Youth Development Associate or Youth Development Specialist at the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center. The role provides security, supervision, and control of youth with complex behavioral problems while maintaining standards for conduct, health, safety, housekeeping, and recreation. Team members mentor and work closely with high-risk youth offenders, support their development and rehabilitation, and help improve their well-being as they transition into adulthood. Depending on qualifications, the position will be filled at the Associate or Specialist level. Associates typically start at $18.55 per hour, with a posted range of $18.55–$29.45. Specialists typically start at $20.74 per hour, with a posted range of $20.69–$32.81. The role is based at 3450 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, Utah, and requires a background check and drug test. Physical intervention may be required to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations. The position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Requirements

  • For the Youth Development Associate level: two years of paid work experience with troubled or at-risk youth, two years of full-time education, or a combination of education and experience totaling two years.
  • For the Youth Development Specialist level: four years of paid work experience with troubled or at-risk youth, four years of full-time education, or a combination of education and experience totaling four years.
  • A valid Utah driver's license.
  • Pass the Integrated Crisis Response (ICR) intervention program within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

  • Candidates who are 21 years of age or older may be given preference.
  • Candidates with a high school diploma or GED may be given preference.
  • Qualifying experience may include paid work at a JJYS facility, Utah State Hospital, Utah State Developmental Center, private residential youth programs, alternative schools serving at-risk or delinquent youth, juvenile probation or parole, law enforcement, correctional officer roles, or programs serving at-risk or delinquent youth.

Responsibilities

  • Provide security, supervision, and control of youth with complex behavioral problems.
  • Give directions to ensure adequate standards of conduct, health, safety, housekeeping, and recreation.
  • Mentor, oversee, and work closely with high-risk and violent youth offenders.
  • Schedule and supervise individual and group activities.
  • Write court reports, parole summaries, treatment plans, and supervision standards.
  • Assist with teaching pro-social, academic, and vocational skills.
  • Implement specialized treatment plans.
  • Co-facilitate individual, family, or group sessions with a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner.
  • Pass the Integrated Crisis Response (ICR) intervention program within 90 days of employment.
  • Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
  • Resolve potentially dangerous situations to ensure the safety of staff, clients, or the public.
  • Transport youth.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally, and understand written and verbal information.

Benefits

  • Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options and a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account; an opt-out cash benefit is available.
  • Multiple dental and vision plan options.
  • 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.
  • A 10% employer contribution to a Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II), with a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or Defined Contribution Plan option.
  • Employee discount program.
  • Free counseling and wellness benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Job stability, career growth opportunities, meaningful work, and a supportive work environment.
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