What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Programs Specialist position at Cheyenne River Youth Project?
Youth Programs Specialist | Eagle Butte, SD
Organization: Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP)
Location: Eagle Butte, SD (housing may be provided)
Create. Teach. Connect Youth to Culture.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project's Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Lakota Arts Institute exists to reconnect young people to their traditions, identity, and creative voice. We're looking for an Youth Programs Specialist. to bring that mission to life — through your own practice, through mentorship, and through hands-on programming.
with planning and implementing activities, preparing meals, supervising volunteers, and engaging directly
with youth participants on a daily basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Plan and implement youth programs and activities
- Engage with youth on a daily basis
- Prepare daily meals and snacks for youth center participants
- Assist with volunteer scheduling and supervision
- Network with other community organizations
- Assist with public relations for youth events
- Assist with large youth center activities such as Passion for Fashion, Christmas Toy Drive, and
- Assist with community surveys and assessments
- Other duties as assigned
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years of age for Main Youth Center; at least 21 years of age for Teen Center
- Previous experience with youth preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to have a changing and flexible schedule
- Strong critical thinking, verbal, written, and organizational skills
- Familiarity with computers, typing, and other basic office skills
- Able and willing to serve as a positive role model to area youth and community
- Willingness to learn and receive training, which sometimes involves travel
- Prior experience serving in a youth organization preferred
- Knowledge of and experience with American Indian communities preferred
- Have or able to obtain a South Dakota driver's license
- First Aid and Safety Training preferred, or willingness to be trained
- Must have home or mobile phone
- Must pass criminal history background check and drug test
- Collaborate and build healthy working relationships with coworkers
- Participate in meetings and help organize community events such as job fairs, panels,
- Demonstrate energy, commitment, and flexibility
- Interest in and appreciation of Lakota culture
- Support organizational fundraising activities
- Operate with excellence in mind and value problem-solving
- Exercise tact, diplomacy, and good humor
- Bring spark, imagination, and creativity to the work
- This is a part-time, seasonal position, approximately 15-30 hours per week
- The position is located in Eagle Butte, South Dakota
- Work may be at The Main Youth Center or Cokata Wiconi Teen Center depending on assignment
- Evening or weekend work may be required for events and programming
Compensation based on experience.
Benefits: None due to part-time status.
THIS JOB IS
- A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
- A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the
- Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma
Our Mission
The Cheyenne River Youth Project is dedicated to giving our Lakota youth and families access to the
culturally relevant, enriching, and enduring opportunities we need to build stronger, healthier communities
and a more vibrant future together.
Our History
The Cheyenne River Youth Project was founded in January 1988 to address the community's need for more
services that support struggling children and their families. Originally housed in a defunct bar on Eagle
Butte's Main Street, the organization created a safe place for children to come after school—offering
activities such as arts and crafts, intramural sports and volunteer mentorship, and providing a healthy meal
and snack each day. The volunteer-run youth center, known affectionately as "The Main," quickly became
a vital part of the Cheyenne River community. Despite its small size and few resources for programming,
the center was filled to capacity each day.
The grassroots, nonprofit youth project has come a long way since that modest beginning. In 1997, CRYP
built a new youth center to support continued growth. The new Main opened its doors in May 1999,
featuring a recreation room, library, family room, commercial-grade kitchen, office space, and residential
quarters for long-term volunteers
CRYP continued to expand. In 2004, with input from Cheyenne River's young people, it began work on a
dedicated facility for ages 13–18. Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) opened in 2006 and represents a
tremendous achievement for CRYP, with more than 25,000 square feet of space and many exciting new
opportunities. The teen center has a full-size gymnasium, computer lab, dance and art studios, library, and private apartment for long-term volunteers. It is also home to the Keya (Turtle) Café and Keya Gift Shop,
as well as the Family Services program, the innovative Teen Internship program, and the Waniyetu Wowapi
(Winter Count) Lakota Arts Institute
Ready to apply? Submit your resume or CV, a link to or samples of your portfolio, and a brief note about your artistic practice and interest in this residency.
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