Lead Youth Development Specialist-Decker Lake Youth Center

United Trading Group; West Valley City (UT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Lead Youth Development Specialist–Decker Lake Youth Center in West Valley City, Utah, is a full-time, on-site position within the Department of Health and Human Services. The role supports high‑risk youth with comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans.

Responsibilities include counseling (individual, family, or group), writing reports, supervising staff, and applying Applied Behavior Analysis principles.

Qualifications

• Six years of paid work with troubled or at-risk youth.
• A valid Utah driver's license is required.
• Background checks and eligibility for state employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversees high risk/volatile youth with complex behavioral problems.
• Assesses client physical, mental, social and behavioral needs.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans.
• Conducts individual, family, or group counseling sessions.
• Identifies and applies safety and control intervention techniques.
• Supervises youth with complex behavioral needs.
• Writes court reports and treatment plans.
• Leads or supervises staff and assists with hiring and discipline.
• M akes decisions consistent with Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Transports youth to required locations.

Skills

Six years of paid working experience w

Utah Driver's License

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Lead Youth Development Specialist-Decker Lake Youth Center

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

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

Salary – $23.08

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

Application Deadline – 10/4/2026*

*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

• Oversees and works closely with high risk/volatile youth with complex behavioral problems.
• Assesses client physical, mental, social and behavioral needs.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans.
• Conducts individual, family, or group counseling sessions in accordance with the established treatment plan
• 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).

Qualifications

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

About the Role

Location – 2310 W 2770 S West Valley City, Utah, 84119 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.

• 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.

The Agency

The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to providing care for individuals and families in 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].