What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recovery Specialist - PT (55003) position at YSS?
Be the steady presence that helps build a stronger tomorrow.
YSS is seeking a motivated, full-time Recovery Specialist. If you are ready to help build coping skills, educate on substance abuse, and motivate youth to be successful in their journey toward sobriety, come work with us!
As a Recovery Specialist, you will supervise and care for recovering youth on a rotating on-duty, off-duty basis; while providing an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. You will facilitate skill-building groups, support clients in completing treatment goals, assist with daily living routines and the general management of the house so that each resident can grow and develop as an individual to their fullest capacity. The position is one of supervision, engagement through skill-building sessions, and maintenance rather than therapy.
What You'll Do...
- Relating to residents in a caring, supportive, and therapeutic manner dealing respectively with their thoughts, feelings and choices.
- Providing the necessary amount of structure to facilitate growth and productive functioning of the facility.
- Providing for the daily maintenance of the house and assures that safe living conditions are provided in compliance with fire, safety, and health regulations.
- Supervising volunteers and substitute staff while on duty.
- Overseeing nightly schedule for residents, including rooms in order and lights out, and maintain building security. Inspect the house to see that it is clean and orderly.
- Transporting residents to meetings, work, doctor’s appointments, recreational activities, etc.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
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.
- 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.
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
Qualifications:
We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- High school diploma/equivalent
- One year of human service-related experience
- Flexibility to serve on the on-call rotation and cover shifts, as needed.
- Recovering applicants must have a minimum of two years of continuous sobriety to be considered for this position.
- Travel, including transporting clients, is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
- be 21 years of age,
- have a valid, state-issued, driver's license,
- have a clean driving record, and
- have adequate insurance coverage per YSS policy.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in social work, education, or a related field
- Client focused and able to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with others.
- Is an active, patient, listener.
- Uses critical thinking skills to problems solve.
- Ability to manage resources effectively.
The IDEAL candidate:
- Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
- Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re someone who shows up steady, dependable, and ready to do the work that actually makes a difference. You care about people in a real way—not just the highlights, but the everyday moments where trust is built, skills are learned, and progress happens one step at a time.
We Celebrate 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.
Salary : $17