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Youth For Change Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will provide support and advocacy for young people enrolled in the OMH Community Residence ... Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger ...

Marion Youth Academy is a non-secure residential facility for at-risk males between the ages of 13 ... Address group concerns according to Positive Peer Culture standards and elicit positive change for ...

At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making ...

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Youth For Change information

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How much do youth for change jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth for change in the United States is $56.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $70.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth Worker, and why are they important?

Youth Workers need a background in social work, psychology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification, as well as experience working with young people. Familiarity with case management software, safeguarding protocols, and crisis intervention tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication enable Youth Workers to build trust and support youth development. These competencies are crucial for fostering positive outcomes, ensuring youth safety, and empowering young people in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Youth For Change roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Youth For Change roles often encounter challenges such as engaging at-risk youth, navigating limited resources, and balancing administrative tasks with direct support. Building trust with young people can take time, requiring consistency and empathy. Collaboration with schools, families, and community organizations is essential for holistic support, while ongoing training and peer support can help staff manage emotional demands and stay resilient in the face of setbacks.

What is the difference between Youth For Change vs Youth Program Coordinator?

AspectYouth For ChangeYouth Program Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma; often requires experience in youth programs or related certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizationsNon-profit organizations, community centers, educational institutions
Industry UsageUsed in youth advocacy, community outreach, and non-profit sectorsCommonly used in managing youth programs, organizing activities, and program implementation

Both roles focus on youth engagement but differ in scope. Youth For Change typically refers to advocacy or volunteer initiatives, while Youth Program Coordinators manage specific youth activities and programs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are Youth For Change workers?

Youth For Change workers are professionals dedicated to supporting and empowering young people, often through community programs, advocacy, education, and direct support services. They work in various settings such as schools, nonprofits, and community centers, aiming to create positive change in the lives of youth. Their responsibilities may include mentoring, counseling, organizing activities, and connecting youth with resources to help them succeed. The overall goal is to promote the well-being, development, and inclusion of young people in society.
More about Youth For Change jobs
What cities are hiring for Youth For Change jobs? Cities with the most Youth For Change job openings:
What states have the most Youth For Change jobs? States with the most job openings for Youth For Change jobs include:
Infographic showing various Youth For Change job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,690 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Behavioral Youth Counselor Assistant

Behavioral Youth Counselor Assistant

Youth Villages

Nashville, TN • On-site

$49K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Youth Villages rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 236 rated social care providers


Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children's mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters- helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org
Program Overview:
Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities-secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes-each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • The Behavioral Youth Counselor Assistant, also known as a Teacher Counselor Assistant:
  • Teaches youth necessary life skills and provides for their daily physical care
  • Assists in treatment planning for each youth
  • Participates in youth transports to various locations (including but not limited to doctors' appointments, court dates, community outings, home passes, etc.)
  • Participates in recreation therapy sessions with their assigned group of youth
  • Helps youth develop and implement positive coping skills using therapeutic interventions
  • Facilitates group therapy sessions to support youth building life skills, social skills, moral reasoning skills, and anger control skills
  • Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:
  • The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
  • Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
  • Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
  • Applicants must possess a current, valid driver's license.

Schedule:
This position works on a non-traditional schedule and requires flexibility as it includes evening and weekend shifts. Behavioral Youth Counselor Assistants follow a Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday rotation, generally working between 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The weekend day may include a 16-hour shift based on campus staffing models. All staff are required to work at least 40 hours per week, with overtime at time and a half for additional hours. Specific campus schedules and rotation details will be discussed with the hiring manager in the interview process, and any adjustments for training or coverage will be communicated ahead of time.
Compensation:
Average annual salary ranges from $49,000 to $56,000, depending on schedule and hours worked. Time-and-a-half pay is provided for worked holidays.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED (required)
  • Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families (strongly preferred)
  • Experience working with youth (required)
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Time off:
    • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
    • 12 paid sick days per year
    • 11 paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
  • Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
  • Growth & development through continuous training
  • Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.

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