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$13

$22

$32

How much do youth development specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development specialist in Riverside, CA is $22.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a youth development specialist?

Youth Development Specialists are professionals who work with young people to support their personal, social, and academic growth. They design and implement programs that help youth develop important life skills, build confidence, and overcome challenges. These specialists often work in schools, community organizations, or youth centers, providing guidance and mentorship. Their goal is to empower youth to make positive choices and reach their full potential.

What does a youth development specialist do?

Youth development specialists coordinate and supervise programs designed to help adolescents discover personal interests and abilities. They may focus on a specific area of development, such as experiential learning, public service, healthy living, or creative arts. To enrich the programs, the youth development specialist may coordinate and supervise field trips, career days, mentorship sessions, and other productive activities. In some cases, youth development specialists monitor youth in residential programs, which requires the specialist to coordinate social skills, independent living, and youth outreach programs.

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

To thrive as a Youth Development Specialist, you need a background in education, social work, or psychology, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and experience working with young people. Familiarity with case management software, youth programming platforms, and sometimes certification in youth development or counseling is beneficial. Strong communication, active listening, and empathy are essential soft skills for effectively building trust and guiding youth through personal and academic challenges. These skills and qualifications enable specialists to provide meaningful support, foster positive relationships, and promote the healthy development of young people.

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

Youth Development Specialists often work with young people from a variety of backgrounds, which can present challenges such as addressing differing needs, communication styles, and cultural perspectives. Building trust and rapport with youth who may have experienced trauma or instability requires patience and adaptability. Specialists must also balance administrative tasks, program development, and direct mentorship, all while collaborating closely with families, schools, and community organizations to support positive outcomes.

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

AspectYouth Development SpecialistYouth Program Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social work, education, or related field; certifications in youth development or counseling are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications in youth services or program management may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizations, youth sheltersNon-profit organizations, community programs, educational institutions
Primary FocusProviding direct support, mentoring, and development activities for youthPlanning, organizing, and overseeing youth programs and activities

While both roles involve working with youth and may require similar educational backgrounds, the Youth Development Specialist focuses more on direct youth support and mentorship, whereas the Youth Program Coordinator handles program planning and management. Understanding these differences can help you choose the role that best fits your skills and career goals.

More about Youth Development Specialist jobs

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For Youth Development Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Youth Development Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Youth Development Specialist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Youth Development Specialist job openings:

Youth Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,138 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Youth Development Specialist

Milton Hershey School

Murrieta, CA

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily supervision, mentorship, and guidance to students.

  • Manage household routines, student schedules, and oversee household reporting.

  • Drive students to activities, plan and engage in developmental and recreational activities, and lead daily devotions.

Milton Hershey School rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Milton Hershey School

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 5.7 out of 10

Private schools and tutoring average

Based on 1,878 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Back to all Careers

JOB ID: 23000132

Hershey, PA
Full-time
Job Category: Houseparents

Located in Hershey, PA, Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a top-notch home and school where over 2,200 pre-K through 12th grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds are provided an extraordinary, cost-free, career-focused education. This is made possible by the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, who established the school in 1909 and ensured it was fully endowed. Thanks to their foresight and generosity, the school has over 12,000 graduates and continues to expand to serve more students.

MHS is hiring married couples to serve as Full-time Flex Houseparents. In this unique and life-changing career, couples reside in on-campus student homes and provide care, guidance, supervision, and support for a group of approximately 813 students living in the home. Flex Houseparents play a vital role in creating a structured, family-like environment that fosters students academic, emotional, and social development so they can reach their full potential.

Responsibilities include:

  • Providing daily supervision and mentorship
  • Managing household routines and student schedules
  • Administering medications and ensuring student wellness
  • Driving students to activities, as well as planning and actively engaging in developmental and recreational activities with students
  • Leading daily devotions and accompanying students to Sunday Chapel
  • Overseeing budgeting and household reporting

Upon hire, Flex Houseparents initially support various student homes and follow a working schedule of nine consecutive days on duty, followed by three days off. On weekdays, houseparents have unscheduled time while students are in school. Flex Houseparents eventually transition into a Placed Houseparent role, where they live and work with the same group of students in their own student home.

Benefits include:

  • Salary: $46,917.00 per person (approximately $180,000 total compensation per couple, including free housing, meals while on duty, utilities, and more)
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings and flexible spending accounts; life insurance; disability options; retirement savings
  • Relocation assistance and paid training provided
  • Paid time off provided at designated times throughout the year

Qualifications:

Qualifications include:

  • Experience working or volunteering with youth
  • This is a two-person role for couples legally married for at least two years
  • Both spouses must be age 27 or older
  • No more than three dependent children may reside in the student home
  • Commitment to a smoke-free and weapon-free campus; no alcohol permitted while on duty
  • Pet limitations: only fish and one dog of approved breeds allowed
  • Valid U.S. drivers license and ability to become certified to drive student home vans
  • Comfort leading students in daily devotions and accompanying them to Judeo-Christian Sunday Chapel services (proselytizing prohibited)
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
  • Demonstrated integrity and professionalism; MHS staff serve as role models for students

This is a unique, challenging, and rewarding career and life choice that requires a high level of commitment to student success from both spouses. For consideration, both spouses must complete individual employment applications. To learn more and apply, visitwww.mhskids.org.

Apply Now

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Milton Hershey School

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1909 by chocolate maker Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine, Milton Hershey School transforms the lives of lower-income children through a cost-free, high-quality education and structured home life.Married houseparent couples are the schools heartbeat and are vital to students success. Couples reside with eight-12 students in their student homes and provide caring homes away from home. The school provides extensive resources to support houseparents so they can focus on their students.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hershey, PA, US

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