JJYS Research Consultant III

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $33.13 - $54.01 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Recruiter – Lupe Orozco | lorozco@utah.gov Application Deadline – 4/9/2026

Do you have a working knowledge of statistical procedures and research methods? The Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services with the Department of Health and Human Services seeks a Research Consultant III to help meet the Division's needs for information and research about Utah's juvenile justice system. This is a senior level research consulting job in which you will design, conduct and coordinate research projects, draft policies or position papers for departments, institutions, and offices. You will need to have expert knowledge, skills and abilities related to designing, conducting and coordinating research projects. As the Research Consultant you will work regularly with other members of the Division's State Office, the Division's service delivery offices, allied agencies, and community members.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Program Oversight: Direct the end-to-end lifecycle of departmental research projects; establish priorities, set rigorous data quality standards, and ensure all milestones meet agency goals.
• Team Supervision & Mentorship: Lead a team of data analysts and researchers. This includes providing technical guidance, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering professional development in statistical methodologies.
• Strategic Coordination: Lead the implementation of new program activities and services, ensuring that data-driven changes are integrated smoothly across different units (e.g., prevention services, residential services, and secure care).
• Develop and implement internal procedures in response to agency policy changes and state/federal laws, ensuring the research team remains compliant and efficient.
• Design and lead the approach for implementing new ideas or operational changes based on research findings, navigating the complexities of organizational buy-in.
• Manage the allocation of research budgets and technological resources to maximize the impact of youth service evaluations.
• Write policy and position papers, technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.
• Facilitate the use of research data to improve existing programs and utilization of resources.
  
  

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with research and statistical methodologies
• At least 5 years of practical experience in statistical analysis and reporting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or project leadership role within a research or government environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate complex program activities accross departmental lines.
• Mastery of statistical software (SPSS, SAS, R, or Python) and advanced proficiency in spreadsheets and office automation.
• Proven track record of managing relationships with senior management, boards, and external partners (e.g., local governments or the legislature)
• Practical experience preparing technical reports that are accessible to non-technical audiences.
  
  

Preference

• May be given to applicants with any of the above items.
• May be given to applicants with a Master's degree or PhD in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related field.
  
  

About The Role

Location –

195 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

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 . 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 of 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

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.