Youth Specialist, Weekends

Job Details

• Job Location: Mason City, IA 50401
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Salary Range: $20.00 Hourly
• Travel Percentage: Minimal
• Job Shift: Weekend
• Job Category: Direct Care - Emergency Services/Shelter

YSS is searching for a Weekend Youth Specialist who is ready to guide, support, and inspire youth while keeping every shift running smoothly!

• Friday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm (8 hrs)
• Saturday: 7:00am - 11:00pm (16 hrs)
• Sunday: 7:00am - 3:00pm or 3:00pm - 11:00pm (8 hrs)

Join our team in North Iowa and make a real difference in the lives of youth! You’ll provide hands‑on supervision and care in a safe, supportive environment, lead daily group sessions and recreational activities, track client progress, and assist with meals and routines. In this role, you can expect to:

• Lead and supervise daily activities, keeping clients safe, supported, and engaged.
• Facilitate group sessions, life skills lessons, recreation, and meal prep with energy and care.
• Guide clients through household chores and daily routines, teaching independence along the way.
• Model positive communication, healthy boundaries, and behaviors that help clients thrive.
• Handle crisis situations and incident reports with calm confidence.
• Maintain safe and welcoming living spaces, and coordinate facility needs.
• Manage visitors and take referral calls, connecting clients to YSS and community resources.
• Complete admissions and maintain accurate service plans to meet licensing standards.
• Support overnight shifts (11pm–7am), ensuring clients are safe, accounted for, and supported.
• Log essential details to keep your team informed and every shift running smoothly.

Please note this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.

We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:

• Supportive leadership team and mission‑driven culture.
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Voluntary dental insurance
  • Voluntary vision insurance
  • Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
  • Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
  • Professional liability insurance coverage
  • Flexible spending account/health savings account
  • Supplemental compensation award
• Generous Paid Time off and Leave
  • Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
  • Volunteer time off
  • Paid holiday leave
  • Birthday holiday
• Wellness Program Opportunities
  • Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees
  • Flu shots
  • Mental health support
• YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
• 403(b) retirement offerings

To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values – Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ‘Can Do’ Spirit. We also ask for the following:

• High school diploma or higher.
• Two years of related experience (the real‑world kind that proves you can handle the job).
• Ability to travel and transport clients as needed. For insurance purposes, you must:
  • Be 21 or older
  • Hold a valid state‑issued driver’s license and a clean driving record
  • Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

• Strong communication skills—verbal, nonverbal, written, and the subtle art of “I see what’s going on here.”
• Ability to collaborate with people across all backgrounds and identities.
• Solid critical thinking and problem‑solving chops.
• Good at managing resources without wasting time, energy, or snacks.
• Strong time‑management skills (for yourself and when guiding others).

• Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

You’re a weekend warrior who stays cool under pressure and brings a supportive, respectful vibe to every interaction. You can read a room, build trust quickly, and handle tough moments with equal…