Weekend Youth Specialist PT (56082)
Des Moines, IA - USA
Job Summary
At YSS every day is differentand every day matters. As a Weekend Youth Specialist in our Transitional Living Program youll be part mentor part coach part problem-solver and one of the most consistent adults in a young persons life. Youll help youth build confidence learn everyday life skills and take meaningful steps toward independenceall while creating a safe supportive and welcoming place they can call home. Whether youre helping someone prepare for a job interview teaching them how to cook dinner or simply being there to listen youll make a lasting impact.
The schedule for this position is Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm. If hired you must be able to work at least three weekends per month.
What Youll Do...
- Be a consistent source of support and encouragement by building trusting relationships with youth and providing the guidance structure and accountability they need to thrive.
- Create a safe place to call home by supervising daily activities supporting routines and maintaining a welcoming environment where youth can focus on their goals.
- Help youth take the next steps toward independence by teaching practical life skills like budgeting cooking laundry job searching transportation communication and healthy relationships.
- Connect youth with the resources they need to succeed by assisting with basic needs appointments community services employment opportunities and other supports.
- Support youth through challenges and celebrations by facilitating house meetings group activities conflict resolution and problem-solving opportunities.
- Guide youth through their transition to independent living by assisting with applications assessments required paperwork and program goals.
- Promote safety and stability by responding to emergencies following program guidelines monitoring client well-being and addressing concerns with compassion and consistency.
- Help keep the program running smoothly by maintaining accurate documentation supporting facility needs managing supplies and assisting with team operations.
- Collaborate with a dedicated team through meetings trainings supervision and support of other program needs as they arise.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Who You Are...
Youre the kind of person who shows up with compassion patience and a steady presence. You know that building trust comes before building skills and youre passionate about helping young people gain the confidence and independence they need to thrive. You stay calm under pressure embrace every day as a new opportunity and arent afraid to jump in wherever youre needed.
What We Provide...
We invest in peoplebecause when you thrive so do the communities we serve. At YSS youll find meaningful work strong support and benefits designed for real life.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Program
- Personal Wellness Programs
- Pet Insurance Discounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
- Retirement Savings Opportunities
- Ongoing Training and Professional Development
Qualifications
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.
Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- At least one (1) year of experience in the human services field
- Youll be driving a YSS vehicle so we need you to:
- Be at least 21
- Have a valid drivers license anda clean driving record
- Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including active listening.
- Proven critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and learn new processes.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service mindset.
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members and community partners.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
TheIDEALCandidate
- Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
- Brings humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
We Celebrate Your Story...
Have you navigated recovery from addiction mental health challenges trauma or housing instabilityYour lived experience offers a unique compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.Your journey matters. If youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
Were YSSone of Iowas largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope create opportunity and help young people thrive.
- From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus were expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at .
- We value the unique backgrounds identities and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were committed to building a respectful inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
- YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Stay Connected...
We communicate with applicants viaemail- straight from our Paycom system address: .Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case).If the message does end up in spam/junk make sure to add to your list of safe may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at
Our Hiring Process - Heres What to Expect...
- Apply Submit your application at We review your skills and experience
- Interview Phone video or in-person conversation
- References Well connect with 3 professional references
- Screening Background check driving record check and license verification if required
- Offer If its a match youll receive a formal offer through Paycom
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
At YSS, we strengthen families by providing education, counseling, and stability through a wide variety of youth mental health services.