JJYS Youth Development Associate/Specialist-Central Utah Youth Center

United Trading Group; Richfield (UT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

JJYS Youth Development Associate/Specialist-Central Utah Youth Center in Richfield, UT is hiring for full‑time on‑site roles. Salary ranges from $18.55 to $20.74 hourly with an eligibility for full benefits.

The positions require experience with at‑risk youth and may involve crisis intervention, supervision, and coordinating activities. The role offers growth opportunities within the JJYS and Utah DHHS framework, with emphasis on mentoring, teaching skills, and ensuring youth safety.

Qualifications

• Two years of paid experience with troubled or at‑risk youth; minimum for Associate.
• Four years of paid experience with troubled or at‑risk youth; minimum for Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and supervise non-custody youth.
• Schedule and supervise individual and group activities.
• Teach pro-social, academic and vocational skills.
• Implement specialized treatment plans.
• Co-facilitate sessions with a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Transport youth and maintain safety.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally.

Skills

Mentoring

Supervision

Crisis intervention

Communication

Education

Two years of paid work with troubled or at‑risk youth

Job description

JJYS Youth Development Associate/Specialist-Central Utah Youth Center

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*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Youth Development Specialist counsels and supervises severely delinquent youth; it is distinguished from a Youth Development Associate in that incumbents at this level function with greater autonomy and are expected to exercise greater independent judgement in the performance of treatment duties; may serve as a lead worker and functionally supervise subordinates in scheduling shift assignments.

• 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

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 click here. Other benefits may include:

• 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. For more information on Juvenile Justice and Youth Services with the Department of Health and Human Services, please click here!

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.