ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Orchard Place

Youth Treatment Counselor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

At Orchard Place, we are dedicated to building a brighter future for children and families through ... Experience working directly with children, youth and families. * Valid driver's license and driving ...

Orchard Place

Youth Treatment Counselor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

At Orchard Place, we are dedicated to building a brighter future for children and families through ... Experience working directly with children, youth and families. * Valid driver's license and driving ...

Sequel Employment Center

Night Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Youth Counselor is an entry level position. They work with students every day, a vital part of ... High school diploma or GED is required and previous experience working with kids is required. It is ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsWorking With At Risk Youth JobsWorking With At Risk Youth Jobs in Iowa

Working With At Risk Youth information

What does it mean to work with at risk youth?

Working with at-risk youth involves supporting young people who face significant challenges such as poverty, abuse, neglect, behavioral issues, or unstable home environments. Professionals in this field strive to provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help these individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. The work often includes counseling, educational support, crisis intervention, and developing positive relationships to foster resilience and growth.

What are the common challenges faced when working with at risk youth, and how are they addressed?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust, managing behavioral issues, and addressing the diverse emotional needs of young people. These challenges are typically addressed through consistent communication, trauma-informed care practices, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that may include counselors, social workers, and educators. Regular team meetings and training sessions help staff share strategies, discuss difficult cases, and provide mutual support, ensuring a coordinated and compassionate approach to each individual's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with at risk youth?

To thrive in a role working with at-risk youth, you need a background in social work, psychology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, trauma-informed care practices, and behavior intervention systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities enable professionals to effectively support, guide, and empower vulnerable youth toward positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Working With At Risk Youth vs Working With Juvenile Offenders?

AspectWorking With At Risk YouthWorking With Juvenile Offenders
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in social work or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires specialized training or certifications in juvenile justice
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, youth programsJuvenile detention centers, correctional facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, schools, community organizationsCorrectional institutions, juvenile justice agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in youth support and preventionFocus on juvenile justice and rehabilitation

Working With At Risk Youth involves supporting young individuals in community settings to prevent negative outcomes, while Working With Juvenile Offenders focuses on rehabilitating youth within correctional facilities. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and focus, catering to different stages of youth intervention.

What are popular job titles related to Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Iowa?

For Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Iowa are:

Working With At Risk Youth jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With At Risk Youth job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Youth Specialist - PT (56143)

Iowa Youth Services

Mason City, IA • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

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 Mason City crew!
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.
Shifts may include daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours on a rotating schedule. Available shifts include: 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday.
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...
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 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

To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a 'Can Do' Spirit. We also ask for the following:
MUST HAVES (Required Qualifications)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations
  • Basic computer skills and comfort learning systems like EMRs
  • Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
    • be 21 years of age,
    • have a current, valid, state-issued, driver's license, and
    • have a clean driving record.

SHOULD HAVES (Preferred Qualifications)
  • 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

SKILLS & ABILITIES That Make You Stand Out
  • You stay organized, juggle multiple priorities, and keep work moving-even when deadlines stack up
  • You dig into issues, connect the dots, and communicate solutions clearly
  • You translate complex financial information into clear, usable insight for others
  • You collaborate naturally across teams and departments
  • You manage funds and processes with resourcefulness, care, and consistency
  • You stay calm, focused, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
  • Is driven by purpose, equity, inclusion, and meaningful community impact
  • Brings humility, cultural awareness, and respect to every interaction
  • Is collaborative, dependable, and energized by mission-driven work
  • Speaks a language(s) in addition to English.

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 yss@yss.org
Hiring Process...Here's what to expect:
  • Apply - Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
  • Assessment - We review your skills and experience
  • Interview - Phone, video, or in-person conversation
  • References - We'll connect with 3+ professional references
  • Screening - Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
  • Offer - If it's a match, you'll receive a formal offer through Paycom

Apply