Youth Specialist - PT

YSS; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP

PSLF eligible

Flu shots

Mental health support

Liability insurance

Job summary

YSS in Des Moines seeks a Part Time Youth Specialist to guide youth through daily routines, build confidence, and provide a calm, structured environment at the Youth Opportunity Center.

You will supervise, lead activities, document interactions, and collaborate with staff to plan admissions and referrals. The role emphasizes empathy, reliability, and strong boundaries with youth and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field.
• Travel required to transport clients.
• Must be 21+ with valid driver's license, clean driving record, adequate insurance.
• Evening and weekend availability may be required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support clients in a safe, structured environment.
• Build positive relationships and model healthy communication and boundaries.
• Lead groups and daily routines to promote growth and engagement.
• Complete client logs, intakes, and incident reports accurately.
• Support admissions, referrals, and team decision-making.
• Help maintain a clean, safe facility and assist with meals and drills.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Group leadership

Communication skills

Empathy and compassion

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Paycom

Job description

Are you quick on your feet, calm under pressure, and passionate about helping youth find their footing? YSS is looking for a compassionate, dependable Part Time Youth Specialist to join our Youth Opportunity Center in Des Moines!In this role, you’ll work alongside a supportive crew to create a safe, structured, and respectful environment where youth can grow, build confidence, and feel supported. You’ll help guide daily routines, build meaningful connections, lead activities, and support clients through both everyday moments and tougher challenges.No two days are ever quite the same — and that’s part of what makes this work meaningful. One moment you might be leading a group activity, the next helping a client through a difficult moment, and somewhere in between making a late-night grilled cheese run because suddenly everyone’s hungry. Around here, flexibility, teamwork, and compassion go a long way.What You'll Do...Supervise and support clients while maintaining a safe, structured, and respectful environmentBuild positive relationships and model healthy communication, boundaries, and life skillsLead groups, activities, and daily routines that help clients grow, learn, and stay engagedManage group dynamics and provide calm, effective crisis intervention when neededComplete client logs, incident reports, intakes, and other documentation accurately and on timeSupport admissions, referral calls, and team decision-makingHelp maintain a clean, safe facility and assist with meals, safety drills, and daily operationsThis 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...We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.Supportive leadership team and mission-driven cultureFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environmentEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employeesFlu shots and mental health support resourcesSupplemental compensation awardProfessional liability insurance coveragePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employerWe 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:Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.Travel, including transporting clients, is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:be 21 years of age,have a valid, state-issued, driver's license,have a clean driving record, andhave adequate insurance coverage per YSS policy.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting.Ability to communicate, verbally and non-verbally, with excellent observational, listening, speaking, and writing skills.Ability to collaborate and able to work effectively with others regardless of backgrounds, identities, and status.Ability to use critical thinking skills to problems solve.Ability to manage resources effectively.Ability to manage one’s own time and the time of others.THE IDEAL CANDIDATEIs 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 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] Process...Here’s what to expect:Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareersAssessment – We review your skills and experienceInterview – Phone, video, or in-person conversationReferences – We’ll connect with 3+ professional referencesScreening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if requiredOffer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom