JJYS Youth Development Associate/Specialist-Salt Lake Valley Detention Center

State of Utah Office of the Governor•West Valley City, UT

3d•$19 - $33•Onsite

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 of conduct, health, safety, housekeeping, and recreation. The position involves mentoring and working closely with high-risk or violent youth offenders, supporting their development, and helping improve their well-being as they transition into adulthood. The position may be filled at the Associate or Specialist level depending on qualifications. Associates typically start at $18.55 per hour, while Specialists typically start at $20.74 per hour. The State of Utah offers a full benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid leave and holidays; retirement contributions; an employee discount program; counseling and wellness benefits; and tuition reimbursement. This role involves physical intervention with clients to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations. A background check and drug test are required. The application deadline is November 12, 2026, although the posting may close earlier if a sufficient applicant pool is received.

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 receive preference.
Candidates with a high school diploma or GED may receive preference.
Qualifying experience may include paid work at a JJYS facility, Utah State Hospital, Utah State Developmental Center, private residential youth programs, alternative schools working with at-risk or delinquent youth, juvenile probation or parole, law enforcement, correctional officer work, or programs serving at-risk or delinquent youth.

Responsibilities

Provide security, supervision, and control of youth with complex behavioral problems and ensure adequate standards of conduct, health, safety, housekeeping, and recreation.
Mentor, oversee, and work closely with high-risk or 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 and 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 read, understand, and listen to information and ideas.

Benefits

Full benefits package
Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account
Opt-out cash benefit for health insurance
Multiple dental and vision plan options
104 hours of annual leave
104 hours of sick leave
12 paid holidays
10% employer contribution to a Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II), with Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or Defined Contribution Plan options
Employee discount program
Free counseling and wellness benefits
Tuition reimbursement