What are the responsibilities and job description for the Self-Sufficiency Advocate PT (54898) position at YSS?
Turning transition into transformation.
Abuse. Neglect. Instability. For many young people, childhood has been anything but predictable. YSS is looking for a Part-Time Self-Sufficiency Advocate who can help youth find safety, stability, and something they may not have experienced before—hope.
As a Self-Sufficiency Advocate, you will walk alongside young adults ages 18–21 who have aged out of foster care, as well as participants eligible for PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) services. This is more than case management—it’s mentorship, advocacy, and steady support during one of the most critical transitions of their lives.
In this role, you’re not just helping young adults “get by.” You’re helping them build stability where there was chaos, confidence where there was doubt, and independence where there was once uncertainty. You become a consistent presence in a season of transition—part coach, part advocate, part steady voice saying, “You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.”
What You'll Do...
Deliver Direct Support
- Assess and address immediate safety concerns and basic needs, including housing, food, and healthcare access.
- Meet face-to-face with each client at least twice per month to assess needs, track progress, and provide ongoing support.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized case plans.
- Offer consistent case management focused on education, employment, housing, financial literacy, and overall well-being.
- Provide transportation for clients when necessary to ensure access to services, employment, school, or appointments.
Coordinate Care & Monitor Progress
- Maintain collaborative relationships with schools, employers, therapists, and other service providers.
- Conduct collateral contacts to ensure alignment and support client progress.
- Attend required meetings and staffing sessions to advocate for clients and coordinate services.
Ensure Compliance & Documentation
- Oversee and carry out all responsibilities outlined in the Iowa Aftercare Services Network Contract.
- Ensure services meet state standards and contractual expectations.
- Maintain working knowledge of relevant sections of the Iowa Code and applicable policies.
- Complete accurate, timely documentation and case notes in accordance with agency and contractual standards.
- Submit complete and accurate monthly billing, ensuring all required elements are included.
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.
- Volunteer time off
- Birthday holiday
- Employee Assistance Program for all employees
- Flu shots
- Mental health support
- YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
- 403(b) retirement offerings
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
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field.
- At least two years of related experience working with youth or young adults, preferably those involved in foster care or transitional living services.
- Experience collaborating with community partners such as schools, employers, and behavioral health providers.
- Knowledge of Iowa Aftercare Services or PAL programming.
- Strong assessment, case management, and documentation skills.
- Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
- be 21 years of age,
- have a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, and
- have a clean driving record.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with relevant sections of the Iowa Code related to child welfare and aftercare services.
- Experience working with trauma-informed practices and youth impacted by abuse or neglect.
- Able to connect with young adults who may be guarded, skeptical, or slow to trust.
- Compassionate and supportive while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.
- Steady and solution-focused in crisis or high-stress situations.
- Clear, respectful, and confident when working with clients, families, and community partners.
- Able to assess risk, prioritize needs, and make sound decisions quickly.
- Manages time well, keeps documentation current, and follows through without constant oversight.
- Doesn’t take resistance personally and stays engaged even when progress feels slow.
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 believe every young person deserves a real chance at stability and independence, and you’re willing to show up consistently to help make that happen. You balance empathy with accountability, building trust while maintaining healthy boundaries. Organized and dependable, you can manage multiple priorities while keeping documentation accurate and up to date. Most importantly, you see potential in every young adult and are committed to helping them move forward with confidence.
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 : $20 - $21