State of Utah
Full Job Description
Job Description
Lead Youth Development Specialist – Clinical Support Team- Salt Lake Valley Youth Center
This position will be part of the Clinical Support Team for Early Intervention Programs located at Salt Lake Valley Youth Center.
We are looking for a motivated candidate who has the ability to engage youth, in a positive way. If you have the passion & drive to make a difference in a young individual’s life, apply today! The Clinical Response Team is a team of direct care and clinical staff who will receive specialized training to address the complex behavioral and mental health needs of youth in crisis in our early intervention environment. At times, this team will be mobile and dispatched to various JJS residential and detention facilities in order to respond to crisis situations.
Lead Youth Development Specialists counsel and supervise youth with complex behaviors. You will serve as direct line staff on various units within the facility as part of the Clinical Response Team. You may also assist this team with training other staff, treatment planning, and program development in the facility or in the community. You will provide security, supervision and direction of youth with complex behavioral problems and acute mental health needs to ensure that adequate standards of conduct, health, safety, and recreation are maintained as well as developing behavioral health plans. High risks in this job include physical intervention with youth in order to deescalate hostile or volatile situations. Lead Youth Development Specialists must successfully complete applicable training required by JJYS policy during their probation period and remain current on all mandatory training established by JJYS management. Non-compliance with training expectations may be grounds for termination.
Our Team
Juvenile Justice and Youth Services’ employees have opportunities to see what the impacts their hard work and dedication have on the well-being of today’s youth. It is imperative that our employees provide opportunities for youth to acquire skills to successfully function in their homes, schools, and communities. Employees will provide support and guidance to the youth we serve while they are transitioning into adulthood. Together, we can help to improve the lives and welfare of youth in our communities.
Our team works with at-risk and delinquent youth in a professional team environment to supervise, teach pro-social skills, and attain positive behavioral outcomes. The work assignment may be in an early intervention residential shelter or detention facility. The work is dynamic, challenging and rewarding as youth mature and change due to the interventions provided by Youth Development Associates and Specialists.
Our Agency
The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to provide care for individuals and families in Utah. Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) provides a continuum of intervention, supervision and rehabilitation 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!
Principal Duties
Works with a specialized team of direct care staff, clinicians, supervisors and medical personnel to provide crisis intervention and management to youth with complex behavioral and mental health problems.
Identifies early warning signs of mental, emotional, and behavioral health problems in order to assist with crisis prevention efforts.
Facilitates and/or co-facilitates DBT groups in facilities
Works closely with the Clinical Consultants to develop and implement individualized behavior plans and specialized intervention plans.
Identifies and applies appropriate security, safety, and control intervention techniques
As a front line staff, directly supervises youth in the facility with complex behavioral and mental health needs.
Demonstrate ability to build rapport with youth and understand their unique mental health and behavioral health challenges.
Makes decisions consistent with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
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).
The Ideal Candidate has
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. Experience working with youth with significant and complex mental health and behavioral needs.
Qualifying work experience: Paid work at any JJS facility, Utah State Hospital, Utah State Developmental Center, private residential youth programs, alternative schools, 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, unpaid experience.
Supplemental InformationHigh risks in this job include physical intervention with clients in order to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations.
Candidates should have a current and valid driver’s license to have the ability to travel to different locations as needed.