YOC Youth Advocate (56473)

YSS is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and approachable Youth Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team!

You’ll be a steady, supportive presence for young adults ages 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or working to maintain recently secured housing. You’ll build meaningful relationships, offer encouragement and practical support, and help young people navigate the challenges that come with finding and maintaining stability.

By creating a safe, respectful environment where participants feel seen, supported, and valued, you’ll help them meet immediate needs, build confidence, develop independent living skills, and take meaningful steps toward a more stable and independent future.

What You'll Do...

• Conduct intakes, orient new participants, and connect youth with YOC services and resources.
• Build trusting relationships while providing supervision, encouragement, advocacy, and support.
• Help participants meet basic needs and maintain a safe, respectful, and stable environment.
• Support daily routines and teach practical independent living skills, including household management, cooking, shopping, utilities, and maintaining housing.
• Provide at least twice-monthly home visits with Rapid Rehousing participants to promote housing stability, problem-solving, community connection, and self-sufficiency.
• Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, waitlists, and program data in ServicePoint.
• Monitor program supplies, prepare rooms for new participants, and communicate vacancies and participant needs with program partners.
• Provide program information to participants, referral sources, and community partners.
• Work at least one weekend shift each week.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You’re approachable, dependable, and comfortable building genuine relationships with young adults. You stay calm, organized, and respectful in challenging situations and bring a practical, encouraging approach to helping others build stability and independence..

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

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.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• A High School diploma or higher.
• Two (2) or more years of full-time experience in the human services field. Experience may include:
  • First Aid and CPR certification,
  • Crisis intervention,
  • Child and adolescent development,
  • Individual or group counseling,
  • Motivational interviewing,
  • Trauma informed care and harm reduction.
• Knowledge of the needs of youth who are unhoused or precariously housed and the ability to implement intervention strategies.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelors degree in a human services field can substitute for years of experience.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with others regardless of backgrounds, identities, and goals.
• Able to convey information effectively, regardless of setting or audience; able to initiate conversation; experience with public speaking.

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

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 largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3 professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom

Salary : $18