Weekend Youth Specialist - PT (56390)

YSS; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

YSS is seeking a Part-time, Weekend Youth Specialist at the Youth Opportunity Center in Des Moines, IA. You will supervise youth during weekend shifts, create a safe, structured space, and support basic needs while building healthy routines and relationships.

The role emphasizes calm handling of crises, group leadership, and accurate documentation. Must have a High School diploma and experience with youth; EMR familiarity is a plus. Weekend schedule: Sat/Sun 3–11 PM.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Basic computer skills and comfort learning EMR systems.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Youth engagement

Empathy

Boundaries

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMRs

Job description

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

What You'll 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.

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. You’re reliable, team-oriented, and driven to do work that makes a real impact.

What We Provide...

• 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

What We're Looking For...

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:

• 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

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 language in 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 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 mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s 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, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re 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 [e-mail]