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Youth Challenge Program Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

MG: Social Services

Marietta, GA ยท On-site

$68K/yr

Not Applicable (United States of America) Compensation Details: $68,000 The purpose of the Georgia Youth Challenge Program (GaYCP) is to provide education, leadership, character development, and life ...

The purpose of the Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is to recruit, enroll, and train at-risk youth who have left high school without a diploma (dropouts or expulsions) to complete work on their High ...

Workforce Career Coach

Americus, GA ยท On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are ... The Career Coach will recruit for the program as well as seek employment and educational ...

Substitute Teacher

Covington, GA ยท On-site

$85 - $90/day

... camp, coaching, tutoring, or youth program setting โœ”๏ธ Positive attitude and strong ... At Peachtree Academy, we challenge and inspire students every day through rigorous academics ...

Recreation Aide

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$17.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are ... youth. * Prefer experience in a recreation/non-vocational program. * Must be flexible with work ...

CDL Class B Bus Driver

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$19.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are ... About our Program Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the ...

Registered Nurse RN

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$34.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are ... About our Program Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the ...

Activ8 Summer Staff

Columbus, GA ยท On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They challenge students to discover their passions and to turn those passions into thriving careers ... Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with children and/or youth programs.

Youth Challenge Program information

See Georgia salary details

$19.4K

$45.7K

$82.3K

How much do youth challenge program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth challenge program in Georgia is $45,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,900.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Georgia? For Youth Challenge Program jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Challenge Program jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Challenge Program jobs in Georgia are:
Infographic showing various Youth Challenge Program job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,711 per year, or $22 per hour.

MG: Social Services

Georgia

Marietta, GA โ€ข On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

MG: Social Services

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001506

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Not Applicable (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$68,000

Job Description:

The purpose of the Georgia Youth Challenge Program (GaYCP) is to provide education, leadership, character development, and life-coping skills to Georgia's youth so they may become successful members of society.

The voluntary program targets 16-18 year old youth who are at-risk of not completing high school. The GaYCP seeks to provide a new environment for youth so that they can focus on completing their academic goals while also enhancing their personal strengths and resiliency.

The GaYCP mirrors a U.S. Army basic training environment. The military structure of the program provides a structured environment and teaches discipline, self-control, and motivation. In addition, the program develops the whole person by focusing on 8 core components that supports each cadet's personal development: academic excellence, life coping skills, job skills training, responsible citizenship, leader/followership, health and hygiene, physical fitness, and service to community.


All GaYCP staff serve as mentors and role models for the cadets, demonstrating what "right looks like." Academy staff work together to provide the structure, academic, social-emotional, and supervisory support needed by cadets during the 22-week residential phase. During the 12-month Post-Residential Phase, most GaYCP graduates continue their post-secondary school education,
vocational-technical training, full-time employment, military enlistment, or some combination of these. With academies at Fort Stewart in Hinesville and Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia's Youth Challenge Program has graduated over 20,000 cadets since the program's inception in 1993.


SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE YCA DEPUTY DIRECTOR:

  • Assists the Director with the overall operation of the YCA Ft. Stewart campus, serving as the Executive Officer/Chief of Staff;
  • Directly responsible for the supervision of various program aspects, such as the Education, Counseling, Post-Residential, IT, and through subordinate supervisors; - Implements plans and policies as directed.
  • Directs execution of administrative matters pertinent to the organization.
  • Works closely with military volunteers to ensure a quality education and a positive on-campus experience for all cadets.

Agency Specific Qualifications and/or Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to qualified applicants who have significant, honorable military leadership experience. Military personnel or veterans who have experience as a teacher, school administrator, or professional social services provider may be given further preference.


Note: The selected applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule when needed, which may include evenings and weekends.

Additional Information:
The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a Georgia and national criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be placed in the pool for the State Random Drug
Testing Program), AND a post-employment federal background investigation.

"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE"

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.


All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive
notification. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related area from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of job-related subordinate management experience in a human service delivery program; or related certification and two (2) years of job-related subordinate management experience in a human service delivery program; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Mgr 1, Social Svcs (SSM010) or position equivalent.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.