Weekend Youth Specialist - PT (56082)

Job Details

Job Location: DSM Lighthouse – Des Moines, IA 50316
Position Type: Part Time
Education Level: High School/GED
Salary Range: $17.00 Hourly
Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
Job Shift: Weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 9:00am – 8:00pm)
Job Category: Direct Care – Supportive Housing

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with youth and provide consistent support and encouragement.
• Supervise daily activities, support routines, and maintain a welcoming environment.
• Teach practical life skills such as budgeting, cooking, laundry, job searching, transportation, communication, and healthy relationships.
• Connect youth with resources, assist with appointments, community services, employment opportunities, and other supports.
• Facilitate house meetings, group activities, conflict resolution, and problem‑solving opportunities.
• Assist with applications, assessments, required paperwork, and program goals for transition to independent living.
• Respond to emergencies, follow program guidelines, monitor client well‑being, and address concerns with compassion and consistency.
• Maintain accurate documentation, support facility needs, manage supplies, and assist with team operations.
• Collaborate with the team through meetings, trainings, supervision, and support of other program needs.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience in the human services field.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Carrying insurance that meets YSS standards (to drive a YSS vehicle).

Preferred

• Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including active listening.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and ability to learn new processes.
• Customer‑service mindset and strong interpersonal skills.
• Collaboration and teamwork with community partners.
• Time and resource management with attention to detail.
• Fluency in a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Program
• Personal Wellness Programs
• Pet Insurance Discounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Retirement Savings Opportunities
• Ongoing Training and Professional Development

Who You Are

You show up with compassion, patience, and a steady presence. You value building trust before skills, are passionate about helping young people gain confidence and independence, stay calm under pressure, and embrace each day as a new opportunity. You are not afraid to jump in wherever needed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

YSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed. YSS is a nicotine‑free workplace.