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Youth Challenge Program Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Therapist - Lubbock

Lubbock, TX ยท On-site

$75K/yr

Do you have a passion for working with youth and families who have been touched by the Child ... We have a unique team-based program that is looking for a passionate therapist who is experienced ...

Travel Youth Care Worker (ICE Transport)

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

... willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are ... Performs program-specific duties involving the use of force and restraints, as per SOP guidelines.

Youth Soccer Coach

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We are Super Soccer Stars, the nation's premier progressive soccer development program! SUPER ... challenge each child, help them to accomplish motor development & skill goals & inspire a love of ...

Youth Soccer Coach

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We are Super Soccer Stars, the nation's premier progressive soccer development program! SUPER ... challenge each child, help them to accomplish motor development & skill goals & inspire a love of ...

Youth Soccer Coach

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We are Super Soccer Stars, the nation's premier progressive soccer development program! SUPER ... challenge each child, help them to accomplish motor development & skill goals & inspire a love of ...

Showing results 21-40

Youth Challenge Program information

See Texas salary details

$21.4K

$50.4K

$90.8K

How much do youth challenge program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth challenge program in Texas is $50,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $60,100.00 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 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 job categories do people searching Youth Challenge Program jobs in Texas look for?

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

Infographic showing various Youth Challenge Program job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,436 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Youth Care Provider (Part-time)

Presbyterian Childrens Homes and Services

Hillsboro, TX โ€ข On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

We are committed to supporting at risk children and families providing them with tools and resources to help prevent children from experiencing child abuse, neglect and abandonment. We are a Christian agency that believes in living our mission, we provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need.
In response to this community-wide challenge, Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS), provides 14 programs and services in 28 locations, in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana, which provide children with permanent homes and adults with increased self-sufficiency. This is accomplished by the agency's commitment to "The PCHAS Way" which inspires the agency to be strength-focused, family-centered, and goal driven with every client.
Benefits of serving children and families in need through PCHAS include competitive salaries, flex work schedules, paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance options, voluntary life insurance options, paid holidays, and a generous 403(b) Retirement Plan (After 1 year of employment, PCHAS provides a 3% contribution and an additional 2:1 match up to an employee's 3% contribution).
Status: Non-exempt
Working Conditions: Growing Together Program will provide a childcare space at the Growing Together office where the caregiver will supervise and intervene with children. Other community spaces may be utilized and Growing Together will provide all items necessary for supervision of children in those spaces. Much of the work hours will be spent in the Growing Together office or other community spaces where they will supervise children. Reliable transportation is a necessity for commuting from home to work and other community spaces for events. Evening and weekend hours will be required as needed to meet the needs of client schedules and community events.
Position Summary: To provide strength based, attachment focused supervision to children that promotes healthy child development and learned skills through interaction; help in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through trauma informed supervision of children and evidence-based interactions that work to teach children needed skills; and collaboration with the Parent Groups Coordinator and other Growing Together staff to support parent education groups, parent support groups, community events, and other early childhood trainings. This position reports directly to the Parent Groups Coordinator.
Essential Job Functions
  • To provide trauma informed, attachment focused supervision to children of all ages as parents participate in parent education groups.
  • To utilize evidence-based interactions with children that teaches necessary skills and promotes healthy child development.
  • To practice with a family centered, strength focused and goal driven approach while utilizing the PCHAS Way.
  • To work well with others and collaborate with other community organizations as needed.

Requirements
This position requires some experience working with children in a childcare setting or similar. The ability to learn and implement evidence-based interventions is required. Must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Flexibility in terms of work hours is necessary and will necessitate some evening and weekend hours to meet the needs of working families. Possessing excellent interpersonal skills with children and their families is essential along with strong emotional regulation skills, patience, and flexibility in scheduling. This position requires a highly motivated self-starter with special abilities to relate to, and interact in healthy ways with, young children and their families.
Desired minimum job qualifications:
1. Experience in childcare or other related field.
2. Two-year experience working with children and their families is preferred.
3. Some college experience in early childhood education or related preferred.
Other Requirements:
Must hold a valid driver's license, have and maintain a risk-free driving record. Must be willing to undergo initial and periodic child abuse/neglect, criminal history, sexual offender, and childcare/elder care disqualification list screenings . As requested, must submit fingerprints for review by the state of your employment and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Must undergo a pre-employment drug screen and a pre-employment physical with the results showing no evidence of communicable disease.
Christian Commitment:
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services is a faith-based Christian organization. We provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need. We strive to serve like Jesus. We meet our clients where they are and treat them with respect. We focus on our clients' strengths rather than their problems. And we encourage our clients to focus on their future rather than their past. When we do this well, we help our clients find hope and know the love of God.