Where
Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type
Part-Time
Posted On
March 16, 2026
Classification
Exempt
Category
Ministry
Location / Chapter
Heartland Area
Hours
10-15
The Juvenile Justice Minister serves as a consistent, compassionate Christian presence within the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center, building trust-based relationships with incarcerated youth and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ through relational ministry. This role provides spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and mentorship to detained youth, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, exploitation, and instability. The minister collaborates with detention staff, YFC staff, volunteers, churches, and community partners to support holistic transformation and successful reentry into the community.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Ministry to Youth
Lead weekly youth group gatherings inside the detention center, presenting the Gospel in a culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and age-appropriate manner
Conduct RMA’s (Relational Ministry Activities) in accordance with YFC protocols
Provide one-on-one mentoring, spiritual counseling, and pastoral care to detained youth
Build consistent, Christ-centered relationships that foster trust, dignity, and personal growth
Walk alongside youth as they explore faith, make decisions for Christ, and grow as disciples
Program Development & Facilitation
Plan and implement engaging lesson plans, discussions, and activities aligned with Juvenile Justice Ministry goals and YFC’s mission and standards
Integrate character development, life skills, and faith-based teachings
Adapt programming to meet the diverse needs, backgrounds, and security levels of youth
Volunteer Leadership
Recruit, train, and support select and vetted volunteers to serve in the detention center as needed
Provide spiritual leadership, encouragement, and accountability for volunteers
Ensure all volunteers meet detention center requirements and follow established protocols
Collaboration & Advocacy
Maintain positive working relationships with detention center staff and administration
Communicate effectively with social workers, probation officers, churches, and community partners
Advocate for the spiritual and emotional needs of youth while respecting institutional boundaries
Reentry & Follow-Up Support
Support youth transitioning out of detention by connecting them with YFC City Life, YFC Campus Life, churches, mentors, and community resources
Communicating with other YFC staff regarding after-care
Maintain appropriate follow-up contact, when possible, to encourage continued growth and stability
Administration & Accountability
Maintain accurate records, reports, and ministry outcomes as required
Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision
Compile and report program outcomes and statistics for internal use and external funding partners
Uphold organizational policies, detention center rules, and ethical standards
Qualifications
Required
A growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to ministry
Strong alignment with Christian faith, values, and mission
Experience working with at-risk youth, justice-involved youth, or marginalized populations
Ability to build trust with youth who may be resistant, angry, or traumatized
Ability to maintain a positive relationship with staff who may be overwhelmed, non-welcoming, or coming from a place of trauma themselves
Excellent communication, listening, and relational skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
Willingness to pass background checks and complete detention center training
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree in ministry, social work, counseling, or related field
Training or experience in trauma-informed care
Experience in juvenile justice, detention, or correctional settings
Bilingual abilities
As an employee of Youth for Christ, it is very important that you are recognized as an associate minister of the Gospel. As an employee of YFC and an associate minister of the Gospel, YFC expects all employees to:
Seek God’s guidance and wisdom, through prayer and meditation, for the organization as a whole as well as for specific ministry initiatives
Participate and lead regular times of prayer, devotion and worship as a regular aspect of your role within YFC
Teach and preach from the Holy Bible at YFC staff meetings, conferences, camps and events
Model empathy, humility and care for all people. This includes promoting equity and inclusion in word and in the practice of faith expression
Additionally, YFC employees will have an opportunity to be commissioned or licensed as a minister of the Gospel through the established YFC process, and/or ordained by an outside body recognized by YFC USA.
Personal Characteristics
Compassionate, patient, and nonjudgmental
Emotionally mature, reliable, trustworthy, and spiritually grounded
Resilient and able to navigate challenging environments
Strong integrity and servant leadership mindset
Work Environment
Ministry takes place primarily inside the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center
Schedule includes evenings, weekends, and may include holidays
Must be comfortable working in a secure facility setting
Mission Statement
The Juvenile Justice Minister exists to bring the hope of Christ into the lives of incarcerated youth, believing that no one is beyond redemption and that transformation is possible through authentic relationships and the power of the Gospel.