Weekend Youth Specialist - PT

Job Details

Job Location:

Youth Opportunity Center - Des Moines, IA 50309
Position Type:
Part Time
Education Level: High School/GED
Salary Range: $18.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage :
Minimal

Job Shift: Weekend
Job Category:
Direct Care
- Emergency Services/Shelter

YSS is on the hunt for a Part-time, Weekend Youth Specialist to join our Youth Opportunity Center team in Des Moines—someone who can bring structure, support, and just the right amount of fun to the weekend shift.

You’ll help create a safe, respectful space where youth can land, reset, and just be kids for a minute. You’ll keep the days structured (but never boring), make sure basic needs are met, and show up as a steady, supportive presence. From leading group activities to handling real-life moments as they come, you’re the one helping keep things running smoothly—and meaningfully.

Required work shifts for this position are:

• Saturday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Sunday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm

• Supervise and support clients while maintaining a safe, structured, and respectful environment
• Build positive relationships and model healthy communication, boundaries, and life skills
• Lead groups, activities, and daily routines that help clients grow, learn, and stay engaged
• Manage group dynamics and provide calm, effective crisis intervention when needed
• Complete client logs, incident reports, intakes, and other documentation accurately and on time
• Support admissions, referral calls, and team decision-making
• Help maintain a clean, safe facility and assist with meals, safety drills, and daily operations

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

You stay calm under pressure, lead with empathy, and know how to set clear, consistent boundaries. You connect easily with youth, think on your feet, and handle challenges with confidence and sound judgment. You’re reliable, team-oriented, and driven to do work that makes a real impact.

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Supplemental compensation award
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values
- Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations
• Basic computer skills and comfort learning systems like EMRs

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.
• One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting.
• Comfortable stepping into high-stress or unpredictable situations and responding with calm, sound judgment
• Experience leading or facilitating groups, activities, or skill-building sessions (think life skills, social skills, or recreational programming)
• Strong documentation skills—you can capture what happened clearly, accurately, and without writing a novel
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, or behavior management systems (or a willingness to learn fast)
• Experience balancing multiple responsibilities at once—supervising, engaging, documenting, and solving problems on the fly
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or…