Youth Service Worker

Tanager Place; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Short & long-term disability

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Job summary

Tanager Place on Main Campus in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Youth Service Worker. The role involves direct care for youth, promoting safety, supervision and well-being, and leading activities that foster growth and resilience.

The position is presented as full-time/part-time with hourly pay in the $17.00-$18.00 range. Responsibilities include client-centered, strengths-based support and building therapeutic relationships with empathy.

Qualifications

• Must be 20 years old.
• One year of direct experience working with children, youth, or families in a professional setting.
• Associate’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, criminal justice, or related human services field.
• Completion of two years of college toward a BA in the related field will qualify.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct care services that are client-centered, strengths-based, professional and compassionate.
• Ensure safety, supervision and wellbeing of youth in our care.
• Plan and lead activities that promote growth, trust and resilience.
• Build therapeutic relationships rooted in respect, empathy and consistency.

Skills

Youth services

Communication

Empathy

Education

AA in psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, criminal justice, or related human services field

Two years of college courses toward a BA in related field

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Main Campus - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52404Position Type: Full-Time/Part-TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $17.00 - $18.00 HourlyJob Shift: Any

Make a Difference Every Day — Become a Youth Service Worker at Tanager

Are you looking for a role where you can truly change lives? Imagine being the reason a child smiles again, builds self-confidence, or discovers a new dream. As a Youth Service Worker at Tanager, you won’t just have a job — you’ll have a purpose. Every interaction you have can shape a child’s future, helping them feel seen, supported, and safe. If you believe in the power of human connection, healing, and growth, this is your chance to help a child discover their potential.

About Tanager

Since 1879, we’ve been dedicated to supporting children and families in Linn County and as the first children's human services agency in the county, our mission continues to evolve with the needs of our community. Today, we serve over 4,000 children and teens annually through prevention, treatment, and outreach programs.

We’re more than a non-profit — we’re a community of caregivers working together to Inspire, Empower, and Heal.

Position Overview: Youth Service Worker

As a Youth Service Worker, you’ll be part of our Inpatient Team, delivering direct care services that are:

• Client-centered
• Strengths-based
• Professional and compassionate

Your role ensures the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of youth in our care. You’ll also plan and lead activities — fun, healing experiences that promote growth, trust, and resilience. Most importantly, you’ll build therapeutic relationships rooted in respect, empathy, and consistency.

Why Choose Tanager?

We care for the people who care for our kids. Full-time employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance
• Financial Security: Retirement plan, employer-paid life, short & long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work-Life Balance: 10 paid holidays, Compassionate Leave, generous PTO policy
• Growth Support: Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement
• Convenient Pay: Weekly payroll
• And most of all — the chance to inspire hope and make a lasting impact.

Qualifications

• Must be 20 years' old
• One year of previous direct experience working with children, youth, or families in a professional setting OR meet the following education requirements -
• Associate’s degree (AA) in psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, criminal justice, or a related human services field. Completion of two years of college courses toward a BA in the related field will qualify)

Ready to Inspire Hope?

If you’re passionate about helping youth find their strength, voice, and purpose — Tanager is the place for you. Join a team where your work truly matters and where every day brings a new chance to make a positive impact.

Tanager is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.