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Youth Challenge Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SENDER ONE SERVICE LLC

YOUTH COACH

Santa Ana, CA

$20 - $24/hr

The aim of the Sender One Youth Program is to help young individuals discover themselves and ... Do you learn and grow from each task, challenge, and interaction while seeing them through to the ...

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Youth Challenge Program information

What is the Youth Challenge Program?

The Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is a voluntary, residential program for at-risk youth, typically ages 16 to 18, that aims to help them earn a high school diploma or equivalent while developing life skills, discipline, and employment potential. Sponsored by the National Guard, the program offers a structured environment, academic instruction, physical training, and mentoring over a 17- to 22-week residential phase, followed by a year-long post-residential mentoring phase. YCP focuses on helping participants improve their academic standing, learn leadership and teamwork, and prepare for future success in education, employment, or military service.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in the Youth Challenge Program, and how can they be addressed?

Staff in the Youth Challenge Program often work with at-risk youth who may have experienced trauma, academic struggles, or behavioral issues. One of the main challenges is building trust and rapport with participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries and authority. Effective communication, ongoing training in trauma-informed care, and strong teamwork are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staff benefit from regular debriefings and support from supervisors to manage stress and ensure a positive environment for both youth and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth Challenge Program instructor, and why are they important?

To excel as a Youth Challenge Program Instructor, you typically need experience in education, counseling, or military service, along with a high school diploma or higher education and relevant certifications. Familiarity with behavior management systems, educational software, and safety protocols is often required. Strong leadership, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for mentoring and motivating at-risk youth. These skills are crucial for creating a structured, supportive environment that fosters personal growth and positive outcomes for participants.

What is the difference between Youth Challenge Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth Challenge ProgramYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require background checksHigh school diploma or higher; often requires counseling or social work certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, community centers, or program facilitiesSchools, community centers, or counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, military or youth development programsEducational institutions, social service agencies, non-profits

The Youth Challenge Program primarily focuses on youth development through structured outdoor and community activities, often with a military or discipline-based approach. Youth Counselors, on the other hand, provide guidance, support, and counseling to youth in educational or social service settings. While both roles serve young people, the Youth Challenge Program emphasizes program participation and discipline, whereas Youth Counselors focus on individual support and counseling.

What are popular job titles related to Youth Challenge Program jobs in California?

For Youth Challenge Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Challenge Program jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Challenge Program jobs in California are:

Youth Challenge Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Challenge Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Youth Minister

Valley Center, CA • On-site

Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego
See more jobs at Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diegoexternal

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description


Parish Name: St. Stephen Catholic Church
Location: 31020 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center, CA 92082

Reports to: Pastor
Employment Type: Part-time, 20-25 hours per week - Afternoons/Evenings/Some Weekends
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $22.00 per hour


Summary

The youth minister plans, develops, implements, and evaluates all aspects of the parish's youth ministry programs, including middle school youth group (6th - 8th grade), high school youth group (9th - 12th grade), and assists the Director of Religious Education with maintaining and running the high school Confirmation program.

  • Empower young people to live as Catholic disciples of Jesus Christ in the world today.
  • Draw young people to participate in the life, mission, and work of St. Stephen's Catholic Community.
  • Foster the personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
  • Challenge the minds and conscience of the young to dive deep into the truth of our faith.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate all aspects of the middle school and high school youth ministry programs under the general supervision and direction of the Pastor and Director of Religious Education.
  • Hold two youth groups per week, one for Middle School youth and one for High School.
  • Schedule and plan Confirmation Preparation classes with teachers for 1st and 2nd years. Including teaching high school confirmation classes.
  • Plan, organize, and supervise retreats including Year 1 & Year 2 Confirmation Retreats.
  • Plan, develop, and implement a schedule of social opportunities for the youth of the parish to form community identity and establish peer relationships with the rest of the St. Stephen's Catholic Community.
  • Plan, develop, and implement a schedule of service activities for the youth of the parish to develop their sense of responsibility and fulfill their confirmation service hour requirements.
  • Recruit, form, direct, and evaluate youth ministry volunteers and teen core team leaders.
  • Develop and implement fundraisers for youth ministry and confirmation activities.
  • Generate and maintain communication with parents and youth through social media, group emails, Flocknote, newsletters, etc.
  • Maintain and organize all youth ministry facilities, spaces, and equipment.
  • Perform other work-related duties as assigned by the Pastor and Director of Religious Education.

Requirements

  • Active member of the Catholic Church in good standing.
  • Self-motivated individual with a "vision" for Youth Ministry.
  • Ability to teach and live witness to Catholic faith and values effectively.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with young people and their families.
  • Willingness to further education/development in areas of Youth Ministry, Catholic faith, etc....
  • A college degree in youth ministry, new evangelization, or theology preferred.
  • Youth ministry or general ministry experience is an advantage.
  • Compliant with Diocesan policies, safe environment/child protection requirements, and pass a background check (including a Livescan).
  • Good communication and decision-making skills.
  • Works well within a team and is self-driven.
  • Administrative capabilities - organization, computer, and social media skills.
  • Fluency in Spanish not required but very beneficial.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a phone system. The employee is required to be mobile too, from, and within the office, as well as maneuver throughout the facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and country-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


St. Stephen, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

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