1

Youth Program Assistant Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Youth Care Professional

Onamia, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Nexus treatment programs have been creating brighter futures for over 50 years. At Nexus Family ... Participate in off-campus client activities and assist in the transportation of client for home ...

Youth Care Professional

Onamia, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Nexus treatment programs have been creating brighter futures for over 50 years. At Nexus Family ... Participate in off-campus client activities and assist in the transportation of client for home ...

Youth Care Professional

Onamia, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Nexus treatment programs have been creating brighter futures for over 50 years. At Nexus Family ... Participate in off-campus client activities and assist in the transportation of client for home ...

Case Aide

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

... children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans ... programs and maintain client files, records, reports and case notes. You will also assist with ...

Youth Program Assistant information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$21K

$44.7K

$61.6K

How much do youth program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program assistant in Brainerd, MN is $44,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,700.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a youth program assistant do?

A Youth Program Assistant supports the planning, organization, and implementation of activities for children and teenagers in various settings, such as community centers, schools, or camps. Their responsibilities often include supervising participants, assisting with educational or recreational activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved. They may also help with administrative tasks, such as record-keeping and communicating with parents or guardians. This role is essential for providing a positive environment that encourages youth development and engagement.

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

To thrive as a Youth Program Assistant, you need a background in youth development, education, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree or experience working with children or teens. Familiarity with program management tools, safety protocols, and occasionally CPR/First Aid certification is valuable. Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills help you build rapport with youth and collaborate effectively with staff and families. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, safe, and supportive environments that foster youth growth and program success.

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

Youth Program Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, maintaining participant engagement, and handling unexpected behavioral issues. To address these, it is helpful to establish clear expectations, use inclusive activities, and develop strong communication skills. Collaborating closely with program leaders and seeking regular feedback can also help in effectively supporting youth needs and ensuring a positive program environment.

What is the difference between Youth Program Assistant vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth Program AssistantYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; often requires additional counseling or youth development certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, recreational facilitiesResidential programs, schools, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsNonprofits, mental health agencies, juvenile programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve working with youth, a Youth Program Assistant typically supports program operations and activities, whereas a Youth Counselor often provides direct counseling and guidance to youth in more specialized settings. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in Brainerd, MN?

The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Program Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Program Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Youth Program Assistant jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Youth Program Assistant job openings:

Youth Care Professional

Nexus Family Healing

Onamia, MN • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Nexus Family Healing rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Nexus Family Healing Employee Testimonials
Employee Commute Incentive Available - up to $670 per pay period!
Nexus Family Healing is hiring Youth Care Professionals for our Mille Lacs agency in Onamia, MN!
Nexus-Mille Lacs offers trauma-informed, family-centered, nationally recognized treatment for boys, ages 10-19, with significant mental health issues and harmful sexual behaviors. We strive to provide the best quality care for our youth as well as our employees. Nexus treatment programs have been creating brighter futures for over 50 years.
At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity. Employees must have the ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges. Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.
Pay and Schedule:
  • Full-time or part-time
  • Required availability 6:30am-3pm; 1:30pm-10pm
  • Block scheduling (Tuesday-Saturday & Sunday-Thursday)
  • Address: 407 130th Ave S, Onamia, MN 56359
  • Commute Incentive up to $670 every 2 weeks!
  • $20 - $22 an hour!
  • Advancement and Lead opportunities available!

Nexus Comprehensive Benefits Include:
  • Four weeks paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment
  • Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • No-cost life insurance
  • Short/long-term disability insurance
  • 401k match
  • NEW - Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family
  • NEW - Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family
  • NEW - Carrot Fertility Benefit
  • Tuition assistance and training opportunities
  • Advancement pathways and internal promotion
  • And much more!

As a Youth Care Professional you will:
  • Provide supervision of client daily activities and behavior according to established trauma-informed, strengths-based guidelines and procedures
  • Participate with coworkers as a team on implementation of trauma-informed, strengths-based treatment plans and therapeutic services
  • Ensure clients' emotional and physical safety and collaborate with coworkers to maintain an environment that is positive, respectful, clean, strengths-based, and therapeutic
  • Participate in off-campus client activities and assist in the transportation of client for home visits, doctor appointments, planned recreational activities, etc.
  • Work effectively with clients' families/support networks to reinforce positive family partnerships; follow established protocols in the use of family engagement and involvement techniques

Requirements
Required:
  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Valid driver's license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Nexus Family Healing driving requirements
  • Must successfully pass a DHS criminal background check
  • All client facing employees must successfully participate and complete the Handle With Care behavior intervention method exam and training

Preferred:
  • Experience working with families and trauma-exposed children and adolescents in a residential treatment/counseling capacity preferred

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to assist staff in physical interventions and restraints of clients
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance
  • Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours)
  • Must be able to twist, bend and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within a residential treatment facility

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
At Nexus Family Healing, we not only support diversity - we celebrate it and rely on it for the betterment of our employees, our services, and our impact on the community. We strive to provide the best quality care for our youth and the best work environment for our employees through an inclusive team culture. Nexus Family Healing is proud to be an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies:
  • Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
  • Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern.
  • Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
  • Responsiveness: Being quick, positive and accurate.
  • Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives - including your own!
Salary Description
$20 - $22 an hour

What Nexus Family Healing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom