What are the responsibilities and job description for the IHYC Lighthouse Caseworker position at YSS?
YSS is looking for a big-hearted problem-solver who can guide young families through chaos with steady empathy, sharp instincts, and the drive to help them navigate toward stability.
The Lighthouse/Transitional Living Program (TLP) Caseworker supports youth and young adults navigating homelessness in Polk County. With a caseload of 7–12 pregnant or parenting participants, this role brings steady, one-on-one guidance to those living in Lighthouse and scattered-site housing.
From leading life-skills groups to keeping program sites running smoothly, the Caseworker also brings a family-centered, solution-focused approach—helping young families stabilize, grow, and step confidently into their next chapter.
What you’ll be up to:
- Welcome & Guide Participants: Conduct intake and discharge, helping participants transition smoothly in and out of the program.
- Build Strong Relationships: Connect with participants in a supportive, non-judgmental way and meet with them regularly to provide guidance and encouragement.
- Set Goals & Track Progress: Collaborate on goals, monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and address barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Support Health & Safety: Assist pregnant participants with prenatal care, ensure child-safe environments, provide crisis intervention, and coordinate UAs when needed.
- Lead Life Skills & Daily Routines: Facilitate life-skills groups, supervise chores, routines, hygiene, and activities, and help participants manage daily responsibilities.
- Connect to Resources: Link participants to education, health, mental health, substance use, and financial services, assist with appointments and transportation, and serve as a liaison with families, schools, and agencies.
- Keep Records & Stay Organized: Maintain case notes, assessments, and Service Point records; participate in regular supervision and program meetings.
- Support Program Operations: Help locate and furnish housing, report maintenance needs, perform light cleaning, and keep program sites running smoothly.
Please know this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.
What We Provide...
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
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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
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Generous Paid Time off and Leave
- Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
- Volunteer time off
- Paid holiday leave
- Birthday holiday
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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:
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field .
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One year of related experience (the real-world kind that proves you can handle the job).
- Must be qualified to provide SAL services
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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
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with youth and families, preferably in a transitional living setting,
- 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.
- Strong time-management skills (for yourself and when guiding others).
The IDEAL Candidate Will:
- 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).
Who You Are...
You’re a caring, hands-on problem-solver who thrives on helping youth and young families find stability and independence. You stay calm in a crisis, listen without judgment, and build trust quickly. Organized and proactive, you keep programs, paperwork, and daily routines on track while connecting participants to the resources and support they need. You’re collaborative, adaptable, and ready to roll up your sleeves to make a real difference every day.
We celebrate the strength in your story.
Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.
Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help!
The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
- Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.
- Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.
- References - Send us three people who can sing your praises.
- Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
- Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.
Keywords: Advocacy, Case management, Caseworker, Coaching, Community, Counseling, Crisis intervention, Family, Goals, Homeless, Housing, Independent, Life skills, Lighthouse, Nonprofit, Parenting, Parents, Prenatal support, Services, Shelter, Social services, Solution-focused, Support, TLP, Transitional Living, Youth