Youth Service Specialist II 2026-02101

State of Wyoming; Sheridan (WY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture of public service and work/lif

Paid holidays, vacation & sick leave

Retirement with employer contributions

Comprehensive benefits package with H,

Longevity pay

Job summary

Wyoming Girls’ School in Sheridan, WY, seeks a Youth Development Specialist to mentor residents, support education goals, and maintain a safe, trauma-informed environment during afternoon and evening programming.

You will document resident needs, assist with activities and health-related tasks, manage crises with de-escalation training, and partner with families and staff to promote growth and accountability.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of progressive work experience in Youth Services
• Associate's Degree in Social Services
• Background information check required

Responsibilities

• Mentor residents and provide emotional support
• Document individual resident needs and assist with care plans
• Supervise daily activities and ensure program adherence
• Manage crises with de-escalation techniques
• Lead structured activities to promote growth and accountability
• Assist with transportation to activities and appointments
• Explain program rules during intake and orientation
• Support educational goals and assignments

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Youth development

Crisis management

Communication

Education

Associate's Degree in Social Services

Job description

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Wyoming Girls’ School (WGS) is a therapeutic and educational facility dedicated to helping court-ordered girls aged 12-21 build brighter futures. Our mission is to provide trauma-responsive care in a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow and thrive.

As a Youth Development Specialist, you will play a vital role in shaping the lives of young women by fostering accountability, emotional growth, and life skills. Working during active programming hours (12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.), you will provide mentorship, supervision, and support while ensuring a secure and structured environment.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The State of Wyoming's total compensation package is excellent and includes:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Retirement investment options with employer contributions.
• Comprehensive Benefits package including Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Short Term Disability, and more with an employer contribution toward premiums.
• Longevity Pay.

Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Act as a positive role model, providing mentorship and emotional support to residents.
• Communicate and document the individual needs of each resident, collaborating with families and staff to tailor their care plans.
• Supervise, guide, and motivate residents during daily activities, ensuring they meet program expectations.
• Manage crises with professionalism and in compliance with training in de-escalation techniques.
• Lead residents in structured activities, promoting personal growth and accountability.
• Safely transport residents to off-campus activities and appointments.
• Explain program rules, policies, and expectations to new residents during their intake process.
• Support educational goals by encouraging academic progress and assisting with assignments.
• Assist residents with medications and ensure their medical needs are met.
• Promote a positive, trauma-informed culture that fosters trust, growth, and healing.

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of trauma-informed care and youth development principles.
• Familiarity with safety and security protocols in a residential setting.
• Proficiency in crisis management techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience Substitution: 2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Youth Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Youth Services Specialist

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

Education: Associate's Degree (typically in Social Services)

Experience: 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Youth Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Youth Services Specialist

NOTES

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• All positions within the Department of Family Services will require a background information check, including the taking of fingerprints, which will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for every successful applicant.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.