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Youth Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Youth Crisis Line Team Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

$24 - $29.17/hr

Matching 401k, access to professional development funds, short- and long-term disability, licensure ... Youth Crisis Line Team Lead Schedule options: 40 hours per week: Will include 1 weekend day in ...

The Youth Essential Coordinator (YEC) plays a vital role in implementing REAP's core youth development programs at designated public schools within the Portland metropolitan area. This position ...

Advocate

Portland, OR · On-site

$20/hr

This role involves supporting youth with behavioral, social, and developmental needs in a consistent, supervised environment. The Advocate plays a critical role in supporting youth development by ...

Seek partnerships with schools and other Youth ministries to serve students at local Middle and High Schools Leadership Development Youth Team * Recruit and train adult volunteers to mentor and ...

Seek partnerships with schools and other Youth ministries to serve students at local Middle and High Schools Leadership Development Youth Team * Recruit and train adult volunteers to mentor and ...

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Youth Development information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$18

$33

How much do youth development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development in Portland, OR is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is youth development?

Youth development works to prepare young people to meet the challenges that come with becoming an older adolescent and an adult. Individuals who work in this field help children to achieve their potential. These jobs often involve creating experiences and activities to aid young participants in developing their social, emotional, cognitive, ethical, and physical competencies, such as having kids work in their community or plan events for themselves. In this type of role, you may work one-on-one with children and adolescents or host group events, depending on your employer, the program, and the kind of work that you do. You may also work with specific age groups, such as older teens or young children.

What is youth development?

Youth development refers to the process of helping young people acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to become responsible and productive adults. This field involves creating supportive environments and programs that encourage positive growth in areas such as education, social skills, leadership, and emotional health. Professionals in youth development work in community centers, schools, non-profits, and other organizations to mentor, guide, and empower youth. The ultimate goal is to help young people reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

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

To thrive in Youth Development, you need a background in education, psychology, or social work, along with experience working with children or adolescents. Familiarity with program management software, youth engagement platforms, and certifications like CPR or youth mental health first aid are often required. Strong communication, empathy, and leadership skills help build trust and motivate young people. These skills ensure positive youth outcomes, safe environments, and effective implementation of development programs.

What are some common challenges faced by youth development professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Youth development professionals often encounter challenges such as engaging youth with diverse backgrounds, managing behavioral issues, and balancing administrative tasks with direct interaction. Building strong relationships through consistent communication and setting clear expectations helps foster trust and positive behavior. Collaborating closely with colleagues, families, and community partners also provides additional support and resources to address these challenges effectively.

What do youth development professionals do?

Youth development professionals design and implement programs that support the social, emotional, and educational growth of young people. They often work in community centers, schools, or non-profit organizations, using skills in mentoring, program planning, and communication to foster positive development and life skills in youth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR?

For Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Youth Development jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Youth Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Development job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,584 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Youth Development Specialist

Milton Hershey School

Portland, OR • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


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 1,871 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

Working at Milton Hershey School


What Milton Hershey School employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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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