JJYS Youth Development Associate/Specialist-Central Utah Youth Center

State of Utah; Richfield (UT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Utah—JJYS seeks a Youth Development Associate or Specialist to mentor and supervise at-risk youth at the Richfield facility. You will support pro-social, academic and vocational skill-building, and collaborate with a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner on group or individual sessions.

The role requires strong communication and safety focus, with background checks and drug testing as part of the onboarding.

Qualifications

• Two years of paid working experience with troubled or at-risk youth.
• Two years of full-time education or a combination of education and experience to equal two years.
• Four years of paid working experience with troubled or at-risk youth for Youth Development Specialist; four years of full-time education or a combination to equal four years.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, oversee and work closely with non custody youth
• May at times work with high risk/violent youth offenders while covering at a facility
• Schedule and provide supervision of individual and group activities
• Assist with teaching a variety of 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
• May resolve potentially dangerous situations to ensure the safety of staff, clients or the public
• Transport youth
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

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

Salary – $18.55 - $20.74 Hourly Wage

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

Application Deadline – 10/27/2026*

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor, oversee and work closely with non custody youth
• May at times work with high risk/violent youth offenders while covering at a facility
• Schedule and provide supervision of individual and group activities
• Assist with teaching a variety of 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
• May resolve potentially dangerous situations to ensure the safety of staff, clients or the public
• Transport youth
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally

Qualifications

This recruitment will be filled as a Youth Development Associate or Youth Development Specialist depending on your qualifications:

The Ideal Youth Development Associate Has:

Two years of paid working experience with troubled or at-risk youth, two years of full-time education or a combination of education and experience to equal two years. Youth Development Associate: $18.55- $29.45 – Typically starts at $18.55 per hour.

The Ideal Youth Development Specialist Has:

Four years of paid working experience with troubled or at-risk youth, four years of full-time education or a combination of education and experience to equal four years. Youth Development Specialist: $20.74 - $32.81 – Typically starts at $20.74 per hour.

Preference

• May be given to candidates who are 21 years of age or older
• May be given to candidates who have a high school diploma or GED
• May be given to candidates who have a valid Utah's Drivers License

Qualifying work experience : Paid work at any JJYS facility, Utah State Hospital, Utah State Developmental Center, private residential youth programs, alternative schools (working with at-risk or delinquent youths), juvenile probation/parole, Law enforcement, Correctional Officer, or programs that work with at-risk or delinquent youths.

Non-qualifying work experience: Volunteer work with youth or unpaid experience.

About The Role

Location – 449 N Sr 118, Richfield, Utah, 84701, United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required –

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

• 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 and welfare of young people in the care of JJYS.

The State Of Utah Offers a Total Compensation Package That Consists Of Much More Than Your Paycheck. Some Of The Generous Benefits That The State Of Utah Provides Are:

Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.

Dental and Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.

Paid Leave : 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, 12 paid holidays

Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.

Additional Benefits: Employee discount program, free counseling and wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement and much more.

The Agency

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.

EEO Statement

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 [phone].

Supplemental Information

• High risks in this job include physical intervention with clients in order to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations.
• DHRM rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state of Utah employees