What are the responsibilities and job description for the Self-Sufficiency Advocate PT (52983) position at YSS?
YSS is looking for a confident, competent, and compassionate, Part-Time, Self-Sufficiency Advocate to join our team! Many kids escape frightening and often dangerous situations, finding safety and solace at YSS. Our programs offer struggling youth and families, support and direction toward something they may have never experienced - hope.
As a Self-Sufficiency Advocate, you will provide aftercare services to former foster care recipients between the ages of 18 and 21 and PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) eligible participants. This service includes assessment and case management, as well as, assisting each young adult in moving toward self-sufficiency and self-responsibility. Additional responsibilities include:
- Oversee and carries out all responsibilities identified in the Iowa Aftercare Services Network Contract.
- Provide face-to-face contact with each client a minimum of twice per month.
- Maintain working knowledge of the relevant sections of the Code of Iowa.
- Maintain collateral contacts with schools, employers, and therapists to monitor progress.
- Attend meetings as scheduled.
- Provide completed billing monthly ensuring that all aspects of billing are included and that it is accurate.
- Carry out all aspects of documentation requirements.
- Provide assessment and case management of young adults.
- Ensure the immediate safety and basic needs of each young adult.
- Transport clients when necessary..
Please note that this description is not intended to be a complete list of the responsibilities required for this position. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.
We celebrate the strength in your story.
Have you walked the path of recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Are you driven to transform your experience into a source of strength and hope for others? If so, YSS wants to hear from you.
We believe your lived experience brings a compassionate and redemptive perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and offering guidance as a role model and mentor, you have the power to make a meaningful impact at YSS.
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. In addition to a welcoming workplace, collaborative and supportive colleagues, and mission-driven work that creates hope and opportunity by putting kids first, YSS offers the following benefits for this position:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee recognition program
- Personal wellness programs
- Pet insurance discounts
- PSLF Program qualification
- Retirement offerings
- Training opportunities
This isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to be the spark in someone’s story. If you’re ready to inspire, connect, and lead with purpose, apply today and become part of something meaningful at YSS.
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. Additionally, we ask for the following:
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
- Two (2) or more years of directly related experience.
- 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
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with others regardless of backgrounds, identities, and goals.
- Able to effectively communicate with customers, clients, and the public as well as colleagues and other staff members.
- Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google Docs, and basic database use..
The IDEAL Candidate:
- Is approachable, friendly, warm, attentive to the needs of others, and able to build enthusiasm and support.
- Speaks a language(s) in addition to English.
- Has the ability to draw on their own lived experience to support others on the journey to stability, recovery, and healing.
Who we are (and why you’ll love us)...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest and largest nonprofits dedicated to uplifting youth and putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive through education, counseling, and support that actually makes a difference. With a passionate, diverse leadership team and our brand-new, 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. We’re not just keeping up with the times - we’re shaping the future of care for youth and families in Iowa. Want to know more about our mission and all the awesome things we’re up to? Visit yss.org!
At YSS, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion - we live it, celebrate it, and grow from it every day. We believe the best teams are made up of all kinds of people, with all kinds of perspectives. That’s what makes us strong, creative, and downright awesome. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we’re all about creating a space where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed - no matter your background, identity, or hairstyle. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, and we’re always working to do better, together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - Most of our communication with applicants happens through email - straight from our Paycom system. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and maybe your spam/junk folder too, just in case our message took a detour). Got questions about your application or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at recruitment@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.
* Applicable Degrees: Adolescent Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Education, Family Science, Family Studies, Human Services, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Youth Development, Youth Services
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Salary : $20