Youth Specialist - PT (56219)

Socket.dev; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Youth Shelter Services (YSS) in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Part-Time Youth Specialist for the Youth Opportunity Center. You will supervise youth, help guide daily routines, and create a safe, structured environment where youths can grow, build confidence, and feel supported.

You will connect with youth with empathy, lead activities, and support clients through daily challenges. Travel up to 25% is possible, and you will collaborate with a supportive team to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field is required.
• Travel up to 25% is required for this position.
• Must be 21 years of age, have a valid state driver's license, a clean driving record, and adequate insurance per policy.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support clients in 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

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Observational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Youth Opportunity Center - Des Moines, IA 50309Position Type: Part TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: AnyJob Category: Direct Care - Emergency Services/ShelterAre 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 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

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, and have 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 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 second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, and 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.

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]