Youth Development Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Costa Rica - 12 months
Posted 30+ days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Peace Corps
Job overview
The Youth Development Specialist volunteer role at Peace Corps supports student life and affairs in Costa Rica's public education system, aiming to enhance student relationships and promote academic success through various programs.
Responsibilities and impact
The volunteer will support and design strategies for student life programs, provide guidance and training to teachers, students, and staff, implement STEAM skill development activities, and contribute to dropout prevention and healthy coexistence initiatives.
Compensation and benefits
This is a volunteer position with no salary mentioned; benefits likely include cultural immersion and professional development opportunities typical of Peace Corps service.
Experience and skills
Candidates need an MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology and at least three years of relevant experience in organizational development, youth social work, or youth organizations, plus intermediate-high Spanish proficiency.
Career development
The role offers unique international volunteer experience with opportunities to develop skills in youth development, organizational capacity building, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Work environment and culture
The position involves working onsite in Costa Rica within a collaborative educational environment focused on community and student development.
Company information
Peace Corps is a U.S. government volunteer program that partners with countries worldwide to promote social and economic development through volunteer service.
Team overview
The volunteer will work with the Ministry of Public Education's Pedagogical Advisory Department and local educational staff in the San Carlos region.
Job location and travel
The position is onsite in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica, with a 12-month commitment starting June 8, 2026.
Unique job features
The role uniquely combines youth development with STEAM education and community coexistence programs in an international volunteer setting.
Company overview
The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government aimed at providing social and economic development abroad through technical assistance, while promoting mutual understanding between Americans and other cultures. Volunteers work in areas such as education, health, community economic development, environment, youth in development, and agriculture. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the organization has a rich history of fostering global cooperation and development. The Peace Corps is funded by the U.S. government and relies on the dedication of its volunteers to achieve its mission.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight your MA/MS degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology, emphasizing your three or more years of experience in organizational development, youth social work, or youth-serving organizations as these are key for the Youth Development Specialist role at Peace Corps.
Focus on showcasing your skills in designing and implementing youth programs, especially those related to student life, community building, and prevention initiatives, as the role involves supporting Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education programs.
Apply through multiple channels including the Peace Corps official website and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed for this volunteer position.
Connect on LinkedIn with current or former Peace Corps Volunteers in the Youth Development or Education divisions, using ice breakers like asking about their experience working in Costa Rica or their insights on supporting student life programs.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'youth development,' 'organizational capacity building,' 'student life programs,' 'STEAM,' and 'prevention initiatives' to ensure your resume passes the initial screening.
Consider using Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, finding the best application channels, and identifying LinkedIn connections to network with, so you can focus more effectively on preparing for interviews and other job search activities.
Jennie Johnson works for you!
Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:
Targeted Resume Revamp:
We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.
Job Description Dissection:
Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.
Bespoke Cover Letter:
Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.
Interview Mastery:
Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.
Direct Application Insights:
Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.
Skills and Gaps Assessment:
Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.
Personalized Email Pitch:
Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.
In-depth Research Guide:
Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.
Detailed Company Analysis:
Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.
Strategic Candidate Overview:
Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.