Youth Development Specialist II 2026-00721

Youth Development Specialist II 2026-00721

Salary: $22.63 - $25.14 Hourly

Location: Sheridan, WY

Job Type: Permanent Full-time

Job Number: 2026-00721

Department: Department Of Family Services

Division: Wyoming Girls School

Opening Date: 03/10/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Classification: SOYS06

Description and Functions

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.

The State of Wyomings 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!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: kristin.martinez@wyo.gov

Essential Functions:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

• 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.

Qualifications

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: Associates 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

Necessary Special Requirements 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.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

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.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value. Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax. Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Application Questions

01 (AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree
• Received Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02 (AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03 (SOYS06) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) or more years of relevant experience.

04 (AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05 (A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

06 (A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral bonus.

07 (A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

08 (AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

09 (AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

10 (A) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer: State of Wyoming Address: Human Resource Contact Information located in the General Description Section Statewide, Wyoming, 82002 Phone: 307-777-7188 Website: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm