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Developmental Center Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Center Director

American Fork, UT

$42K - $57K/yr

Center Director/BCBA - ABA Center (American Fork, UT) Full-Time + Comprehensive Benefits Lead with ... Who We Are At Applied ABC, we're passionate about helping children with autism and developmental ...

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Developmental Center information

See Utah salary details

$8

$19

$32

How much do developmental center jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental center in Utah is $19.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.58 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Developmental Center vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectDevelopmental CenterBehavior Therapist
CredentialsVaries; often requires degrees in psychology, social work, or related fieldsTypically requires certification in behavior analysis (e.g., BCBA) or related credentials
Work EnvironmentSpecialized facilities serving individuals with developmental disabilitiesClinical or community settings providing behavioral interventions
Employer & IndustryPublic and private agencies focused on developmental disabilitiesHealthcare, educational, or private practice settings

Developmental Centers and Behavior Therapists both serve individuals with developmental challenges, but Developmental Centers are often larger facilities offering comprehensive services, while Behavior Therapists focus on implementing specific behavioral interventions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Developmental Center professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a professional in a Developmental Center, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, education, or a related field, often with relevant certifications or licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, individualized education plans (IEPs), and case management software is commonly required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills are crucial for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and collaborating with their families and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure effective care delivery, promote client development, and foster a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

What are some common challenges employees face when working in a Developmental Center, and how can they be managed?

Employees at a Developmental Center often work with individuals who have complex needs, which can present emotional and behavioral challenges. Staff may encounter situations requiring patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Managing these challenges involves ongoing training, teamwork, and utilizing support resources such as supervisors and mental health professionals. Building strong relationships with colleagues and participating in regular debriefings can also help staff maintain resilience and provide high-quality care.

What is a Developmental Center?

A Developmental Center is a specialized facility that provides assessment, treatment, and support services for individuals—often children or adults—with developmental disabilities or delays. These centers typically offer multidisciplinary care, including therapies, educational programs, and family support, aimed at helping individuals reach their full potential. Developmental Centers may be operated by state agencies, hospitals, or private organizations, and can serve as both residential and outpatient treatment locations. Their staff often include psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special educators. The goal is to improve quality of life and promote independence for clients and their families.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Center jobs in Utah? For Developmental Center jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Developmental Center jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Developmental Center job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Center job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,122 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Youth Development Associate/Specialist - Salt Lake Detention Center

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$20.74 - $32.01/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Youth Development Associate/Specialist - Salt Lake Detention Center
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $18.10 - $20.74 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Kendra Keller kendrakeller@utah.gov
Application Deadline - Continous Until Filled
Key Responsibilities
  • Mentor, oversee and work closely with high risk/violent youth offenders
  • Schedule and provide supervision of individual and group activities
  • Writes court reports, parole summaries, treatment plans, and supervision standards
  • 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
  • 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. A valid Utah Driver's License. Youth Development Associate: $18.10 - $28.73 - Typically starts at $18.10 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. A valid Utah Driver's License. Youth Development Specialist: $20.74 - $32.01 - 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
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 -
3450 S 900 W
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119
United States
Background Check Required - Yes
Drug Test Required -
Schedule Code - B - Competitive Career Service
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn 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 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 (801) 957-9390.
Supplemental Information
  • High risks in this job include physical intervention with clients in order to de-escalate hostile or volatile situations.