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Youth Development Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Youth counselors also facilitate and assist in developing a positive peer culture with the guidance ... Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly ...

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Youth counselors also facilitate and assist in developing a positive peer culture with the guidance ... Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly ...

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Youth counselors also facilitate and assist in developing a positive peer culture with the guidance ... Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly ...

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Youth Development Assistant information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Development Assistant, you need a background in youth services, child development, or education, often supported by relevant certifications or coursework. Familiarity with program management software, activity planning tools, and basic first aid certification are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help build rapport with youth and support positive group dynamics. These skills ensure effective program delivery, foster a supportive environment, and promote the healthy development of young participants.

What are some common challenges youth development assistants face when working with diverse groups of young people?

Youth Development Assistants often encounter the challenge of engaging youth from various backgrounds, each with unique needs, learning styles, and personal experiences. Building trust and fostering positive relationships can take time, especially when working with individuals who may have faced adversity or instability. Adapting activities to be inclusive and ensuring every participant feels valued requires patience, creativity, and strong communication skills. Collaborating closely with other team members and seeking regular feedback helps address these challenges and create a supportive environment for all youth.

How to become a youth development assistant?

To become a youth development assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience working with youth, such as volunteering or internships. Some positions may require certifications in first aid or child development, and strong communication and organizational skills are important. Job requirements vary by organization but generally include a background check and the ability to work flexible hours.

What is the difference between Youth Development Assistant vs Youth Program Coordinator?

AspectYouth Development AssistantYouth Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant certificationsBachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, youth clubsProgram planning settings, community organizations, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit organizations, government agencies, schoolsNon-profits, government youth services, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level youth support rolesManaging youth programs and activities

The Youth Development Assistant typically supports youth programs through direct interaction and basic administrative tasks, often requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, the Youth Program Coordinator oversees program planning, implementation, and management, usually requiring higher education and experience. Both roles are vital in youth services but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is a youth development assistant?

Youth Development Assistants are professionals who support programs and activities aimed at promoting the personal, social, and academic growth of young people. They typically work in community centers, schools, or nonprofit organizations, helping to plan, implement, and supervise activities for youth. Their responsibilities may include mentoring, organizing recreational events, assisting with homework, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment. By providing guidance and positive role modeling, they help equip young people with essential life skills and confidence.
What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Youth Development Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Development Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Development Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Youth Development Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Youth Development Assistant job openings:
Youth Development Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Academic Youth Development Professional - Full Time - Council Bluffs

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
STARTING AT $18.50-$20.50
Job Title: AcademicYouth Development Professional
Reports to: Club Director
Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Council Bluffs 815 N. 16th St. Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Schedule: Monday to Friday 11:30am-7:30pm
Wage: Starting at $18.50 to $20/ hour
Organization Information:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (BGCM), an affiliate with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a comprehensive out-of-school provider designed to support the most vulnerable youth in the Midlands. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. It is our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, healthy and caring members of society. Safety, Accountability, Positivity, Integrity, Professionalism and Respectfulness are our core values that are embedded in our everyday culture.
Position Summary:
The Academic Youth Development Professional will work with members to facilitate their personal, social and educational development to enable them to gain voice, influence, and place in society as they make the transition from dependence to independence. The YDP will also assist youth to establish daily, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands motto "Safety First & Always" at all times. The Youth Development Professional will deliver Education & Career Development, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, Arts, Character & Leadership, STEM, Outdoor Education, Aquatics (when applicable), and other assigned programs to members KG-12th: The Youth Development Professional will deliver programs to Younger members (KG-5th Graders), Middle School members (6th-8th Graders) and High School members (9th-12th Graders) The Youth Development Professional may be required to provide transportation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands 10-person van and/or 15-person people mover. The Youth Development Professional will also continue to monitor programming and discipline and effective guidance to ensure "Quality" is always present by utilizing the 5 Key Elements of Positive Youth Development, the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tool, and routinely assessing progress towards goals and adjusting activities as necessary.
Essential Functions:
  • Embrace the overarching principles for Youth Development
    • Positive child and youth development principles and practices. These include building on youth strengths, setting and maintaining high expectations; understanding the centrality of and fostering positive relationships with peers and adults; providing age appropriate and challenging programming; engaging members as partners, not just as consumers of services; promoting positive identity formation and helping young people to fully develop their potential
    • Respect and value the cultures and traditions of members, their families and their communities, and treating all members and staff equally, irrespective of race, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age or disability
    • Appreciate the range of abilities and diverse needs of children and youth
    • Understand the mission, policies and practices of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
  • Comply with BGCM Safety requirements
  • Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity
  • Foster academic skills with members that promotes positive outcomes
  • Deliver high quality programs and activities to members
  • Direct supervision of members
  • Maintain accurate and timely recording keeping for activities and meals
  • Complete incident reports, along with proper documentation
  • Computer Literate - Develop, organize and complete tasks and projects using software programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Set and maintain appropriate and culturally sensitive physical, emotional boundaries in interactions with members and staff
  • Makes children and youth feel physically and emotionally safe and part of the group; for example, fostering an inclusive environment, addressing bullying and teasing, effectively managing groups including disruptive behavior and conflict, maintain a sense of order
  • Use SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) Model
    • Self: Self-Management; Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one's goal
    • Self: Self-Awareness; Recognizing one's emotions and values as well as one's strengths and challenges
    • Social: Social Awareness; Showing understanding and empathy for others
    • Responsible: Responsible Decision Making; Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior
    • Relationship Skills: Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict
  • Be knowledgeable of the principles and practices of child and youth development and use this knowledge to achieve the goals of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
  • Comply with applicable safety and emergency requirements
  • Develop academic and non-academic skills and broaden members' horizons
  • Implement BGCM/BGCA curricula and program activities
  • Promote responsible and healthy decision-making among all members
  • Develop leadership, team-building and self-advocacy skills among members

Qualifications:
  • 2-4 years of college, in the field of education
  • 3-4 years of experience working with youth, at-risk youth (preferred); **Experience will be considered in lieu of degree**
  • Bilingual a plus
  • Demonstrates basic knowledge of developmental milestones concerning the physical, emotional, cognitive and social development of children and youth
  • Must be able to interact positively with members, individually and in groups, using strength-based approaches, respectful communication and affirmative techniques, such as developing trust, listening and engaging with members
  • Experience working with and demonstrating compassion and/or sensitivity toward vulnerable populations and individuals with diverse backgrounds present in the organization's service population, both individually and in groups
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and project management abilities, attention to detail, and promptness
  • Must be able to effectively navigate and function within a virtual environment
  • Must effectively and comfortably manage in a virtual environment:
  • Must serve as a technology advocate and understand the tools available and optimal methods to ensure utilization of technology is promoted at every opportunity
  • Must be able to inspire trust and motivate virtual teams using strong communication, developmental and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt to different virtual platforms
  • Must successfully guide virtual teams, communicate clear goals, and facilitate problem solving
  • Must be proficient in the use of Windows, Internet, Microsoft Suite (Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access or other database software proficiency), Zoom or other Virtual Meeting platforms, and Google Platform (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
  • Ability to earn and maintain mandatory CPR & First aid certification or obtain within 6 months of hire
  • Maintain a valid driver's license and meet eligibility requirements to drive a BGCM vehicle
  • Must be able to pass a drug test, criminal and driving records investigation
  • The ability to read and write is necessary to complete reports and properly document program and organizational data
  • Must have reliable transportation to get to sites or meetings
  • Must have regular and reliable attendance

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