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Youth Program Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sequel Employment Center

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Woodward Academy, a Sequel Youth & Family Services Program, is a residential treatment facility for male and female youth who are adjudicated delinquent or "child in need of assistance" (CINA)

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction * Accurately complete ...

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction * Accurately complete ...

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction * Accurately complete ...

Woodward Academy

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA

$19 - $20/hr

Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs * Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction * Accurately complete ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsYouth Program JobsYouth Program Jobs in Iowa

Youth Program information

See Iowa salary details

$21.6K

$50.8K

$91.6K

How much do youth program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program in Iowa is $50,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Youth Program Coordinator, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience in youth development and program management. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, online collaboration platforms, and state-mandated child safety certifications is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build trust with youth and effectively manage diverse groups. These skills ensure safe, engaging, and impactful programs that foster positive youth development.

What is the difference between Youth Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth ProgramYouth Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often requires background in education or social workTypically requires a degree in social work, psychology, or related field; certifications may be needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profits, campsSchools, community centers, residential facilities
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutionsSchools, youth organizations, social service agencies
Job FocusProgram development, planning, and management for youth activitiesDirect counseling, mentoring, and supporting youth

While both roles focus on youth, Youth Programs involve designing and managing activities and initiatives for youth development, whereas Youth Counselors provide direct support, guidance, and counseling to individual youth. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are youth programs?

Youth programs are organized activities and initiatives designed to support the development, education, and well-being of young people, typically ranging from childhood through adolescence. These programs can include after-school clubs, sports, mentorship, leadership training, community service, and arts initiatives. Their primary goal is to help youth build life skills, foster positive relationships, and provide safe and supportive environments for growth. Youth programs are often run by schools, community organizations, or non-profits, and may focus on social, academic, or recreational objectives.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a Youth Program role, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Youth Program roles often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of young participants, managing behavioral issues, and coordinating activities that meet varying developmental needs. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for addressing these challenges. Building rapport, setting clear expectations, and collaborating closely with colleagues, parents, and community partners can greatly enhance program outcomes and create a supportive environment for youth development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Youth Program jobs in Iowa? For Youth Program jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Program jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Program jobs in Iowa are:
Youth Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Program job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,848 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

After School Program Leader | North Des Moines Area

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
There's nothing like working at the Y!
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause - it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference - every day.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under the direction of the Site Leader, the Youth Program Leader is responsible for assisting in the delivery of the after school child care program. This includes program activities, behavior management, safety of program participants, and evaluation. The Youth Program Leader will deliver professional customer service and relationship building skills to create a welcoming environment. The individual will also exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.
JOB LOCATION:Findley Elementary OR King Elementary - Offsite from the Wellmark YMCA
SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 2:15p-5:30p Monday - Friday
PAY RANGE: Starting at $13.50/hour
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 6, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Provide leadership to a group of program participants.
  2. Plan and lead activities with your group.
  3. Assist in planning and leading activities that create a relaxed environment with structure for desired outcome.
  4. Create and maintain a safe environment both physically and emotionally for your participants.
  5. Maintain the Y-Voice (Welcoming, Nurturing, Hopeful, Determined, Genuine) in all that you say, do, and think in regards to your program.
  6. Establish positive relationships with participants' guardians, including gaining an understanding of participants' specific needs.
  7. Follow policies and procedures, including Operating Standards.
  8. Follow and be able to demonstrate emergency procedures.
  9. Communicate specific problems and/or needs to a supervisor or designated staff person.
  10. Attend team meetings, trainings, and events assigned by the supervisor.
  11. Must stay in compliance with all required trainings, certifications, and child care licensing regulations.
  12. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
  13. Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.

Requirements
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
  2. Must be at least 16 years of age (If under age 18, must be working with an adult age 18+)
  3. Approval by State of Iowa Licensing requirements including pre-employment physical
  4. Previous experience working with youth is preferred
  5. Perform basic computer skills such as using the computerized time clock and online training requirements.
  6. Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications or equivalent - prior to starting
  7. Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired and maintained annually
  8. Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
  • Regularly required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
  • Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, bend/stoop, climb/use stairs and reach/push/pull.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This position usually works in indoor and outdoor child care oriented environments, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.

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