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Youth Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Youth Worker Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org Compensation: $21-22 per hour Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of Community Schools ...

SUMMARY: The Youth Worker will be responsible for ensuring client safety, providing direct care services, and maintaining building safety during all shift hours at our 24-hour youth services ...

Youth Worker

Staten Island, NY

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

The Youth Worker will be responsible for ensuring client safety, providing direct care services, and maintaining building safety during all shift hours at our 24-hour youth services, transitional ...

Youth Worker

Staten Island, NY

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

The Youth Worker will be responsible for ensuring client safety, providing direct care services, and maintaining building safety during all shift hours at our 24-hour youth services, transitional ...

Youth Worker

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$33K/yr

The Youth Worker will be responsible for ensuring client safety, providing direct care services, and maintaining building safety during all shift hours at our 24-hour youth services, transitional ...

Lead Youth Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Lead Youth Worker Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org Compensation: $21-22 per hour Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of Community Schools ...

Youth Worker

Staten Island, NY

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

SUMMARY: The Youth Worker will be responsible for ensuring client safety, providing direct care services, and maintaining building safety during all shift hours at our 24-hour youth services ...

Youth Worker

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$20/hr

Youth Worker Program: Street Outreach Program Reports To:Drop-In Center Coordinator Classification:Non-Exempt Job Summary: Staffs the Drop-In Center for street youth. Plans and conducts recreational ...

Youth Worker

Augusta, ME · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Youth Worker Program: Outreach Augusta Reports To:Augusta Program Coordinator Classification:Non-Exempt Job Summary: Staffs a drop-in center for street youth. Plans and conducts recreational ...

Youth Worker

Henderson, NV · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Two years experience working with children in a Corps/Church setting and/or a two years college degree in Youth Ministries or Christian Education. * Must be a Christian with a strong personal ...

Showing results 21-40

Youth Worker information

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How much do youth worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth worker in the United States is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a youth worker?

Youth workers are professionals who support and guide young people, typically between the ages of 11 and 25, to help them achieve their personal, social, and educational potential. They work in a variety of settings such as community centers, schools, and youth organizations, providing mentoring, organizing activities, and offering advice on issues like education, health, and employment. Youth workers play a key role in helping young people develop confidence, life skills, and positive relationships, often supporting those facing challenges or at risk of social exclusion.

What are some common challenges youth workers face when supporting diverse groups of young people?

Youth Workers often support young people from a wide range of backgrounds, each with unique needs and experiences. Common challenges include building trust with youth who may have faced trauma or instability, managing group dynamics among individuals with varying personalities, and addressing sensitive issues such as mental health or family conflict. Successful Youth Workers use empathy, cultural competence, and strong communication skills to create safe, inclusive environments and foster positive relationships. Ongoing professional development and teamwork with colleagues and community organizations help address these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as a Youth Worker, you need a background in youth development, counseling, and safeguarding, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in social work or youth services. Familiarity with case management software, reporting tools, and child protection protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with young people from diverse backgrounds. These skills are vital for effectively supporting youth, promoting positive outcomes, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.

What is the difference between Youth Worker vs Social Worker?

AspectYouth WorkerSocial Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in youth workBachelor's or Master's degree in social work or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, youth clubs, residential facilitiesHospitals, government agencies, schools, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, schools, youth programsGovernment agencies, healthcare, social services
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both Youth Workers and Social Workers serve vulnerable populations, Youth Workers primarily focus on supporting young people through mentorship and activities in community settings. Social Workers often handle more complex cases involving mental health, family issues, and legal matters, requiring advanced degrees and licensure. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Youth Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Youth Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Youth Worker job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Worker jobs?

The most popular types of Youth Worker jobs are:

What states have the most Youth Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Youth Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Youth Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,051 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$21 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children's lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!


Title: Lead Youth Worker

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $21-22 per hour

Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Community Schools

Supervisor Responsibilities: No

Location: Perspectives High School of Technology at 8522 S. Lafayette Ave (Chicago, IL)

Schedule: 9:30a - 6:00p; Monday - Friday; schedule varies depending on program needs


Purpose: The Lead Youth Worker performs functions to coordinate and implement out-of-school time youth development activities; working with the program team under the general direction of a supervisor, plans and implements daily lessons and activities for assigned after-school group in the context of CYC's program framework.


Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for facilitation of one or more School-age and/or Teen Groups; develop and implement weekly lesson plans in accordance with CYC's P21 curriculum model; ensure safe and appropriate group environment; ensure that designated space and materials are ready in advance of each day's scheduled activities; ensure required program component hours are met and activities are planned consistent with agency outcomes; monitor progress of individual member goals.
  • Responsible for assisting with the involvement of parents and families; ensure consistent communication with parents of youth members regarding youths' progress; assist in developing parent and family activities as assigned and in accordance with agency standards.
  • Responsible for recruitment, enrollment, and intake of assigned number of group members; engage in canvassing and other recruitment activities assigned; assist in developing and implementing community relations strategies.
  • Responsible for ensuring that recordkeeping and reporting systems are maintained in an up to date and accurate manner, and consistent with agency standards; track and record group members' progress consistent with CYC's outcomes matrix and ETO data base procedures.
  • Responsible for organizing and managing an Advisory Committee for the purpose of assessing school and community assets and needs and recommending programs; work with school administration to facilitate a positive, engaging school climate; participate in the development of relationships with external partners; develop collaborative and partnership agreements; attend assigned community group and partner meetings toward the goal of coordinating and improving services to students and families.
  • Manage assigned program budget; purchase/order materials and supplies, field trip admission fee, and transportation expenses.
  • May be required to assist/support other sites if necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Associate's Degree or equivalent in Youth Development or related field, with a minimum of six semester hours in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, Camping or other related field.
  • Associate's Degree Equivalency: 30+ semester hours of college credit plus 2 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above),

or


  • 6 - 30 semester hours of college credit plus 3 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above).
  • Advancing Youth Development Certificate (may acquire at first opportunity). One year related work experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children in the field of youth development. Experience working with Kindergarten- 2nd grade students.
  • Creativity and ability to teach science, music, arts & crafts.


Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 403B, AFLAC (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurances), Pet Insurance


Chicago Youth Centers is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Chicago Youth Centers will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.


***This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.***