Weekend Youth Specialist PT (56390)

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

Youll help create a safe respectful space where youth can land reset and just be kids for a minute. Youll 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 youre the one helping keep things running smoothlyand meaningfully.

Required work shifts for this position are:

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

What Youll Do...

• 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.

If youve got the patience of a saint the instincts of a coach and the ability to pivot faster than weekend plans change youll fit right in.

Who You Are...

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. Youre reliable team-oriented and driven to do work that makes a real impact.

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.

• 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.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

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

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelors 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 skillsyou 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 oncesupervising engaging documenting and solving problems on the fly
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes

The IDEAL candidate:

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
• Brings humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a languagein addition to English (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 by email through our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). We may also send you text messages if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at

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