What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Specialist, AM (55389) position at YSS?
Be the calm in the chaos. The structure in the storm. And sometimes…the snack provider.
As a AM Youth Specialist, you’re on the front lines of support—creating a safe, steady, and respectful environment for youth who need it most. Working at the YSS of North Iowa location in Mason City, you’ll guide daily routines, build connections, and help clients develop the skills they need to move forward.
No two days look the same (and honestly, that’s part of the fun). One minute you’re leading a group, the next you’re helping de-escalate a tough moment, and somewhere in there you might be making grilled cheese for a group that suddenly decided they’re starving.
Work shifts are 7:00 am - 3:00 pm and include a rotating schedule of weekday, weekend, and holiday hours.
What You'll Do...
Create structure, safety, and a little bit of magic
- Keep a watchful eye on clients at all times—knowing where they are, what they’re doing, and how they’re doing
- Set the tone by modeling respect, boundaries, and solid life skills
- Guide daily routines so clients know what to expect and can feel grounded
Teach real-life skills (the kind they don’t learn on TikTok)
- Lead group sessions on social skills, coping strategies, and everyday life skills
- Turn chores into teachable moments—laundry, cleaning, and basic independence
- Plan activities that get clients moving, engaged, and maybe even laughing
Handle the tough stuff with confidence
- Step in during crises with calm, clear intervention
- Document behaviors, incidents, and progress—because details matter
- Complete intakes, reports, and client logs with accuracy and care
Be a connector and problem-solver
- Take referral calls and help connect individuals to the right services
- Gather key information and support the intake/admissions process
- Work closely with your team and supervisors to make smart, timely decisions
Keep the environment safe and running smoothly
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming facility
- Run safety drills (fire, tornado—Midwest perks) and ensure readiness
- Pitch in with meals, snacks, and the occasional “we need this fixed ASAP” moment
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.
- Competitive salary
- 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
- Generous Paid Time off and Leave
- Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
- Volunteer time off
- Paid holiday leave
- Birthday holiday
- 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
This role isn’t always easy—but it is meaningful. You’ll be part mentor, part coach, part crisis navigator, and part everyday hero. If you’re looking for work that matters (and keeps you on your toes), you’ll fit right in.
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 or equivalent
- Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations
- Basic computer skills and comfort learning systems like EMRs
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.
- One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting.
- Comfortable stepping into high-stress or unpredictable situations and responding with calm, sound judgment
- Experience leading or facilitating groups, activities, or skill-building sessions (think life skills, social skills, or recreational programming)
- Strong documentation skills—you can capture what happened clearly, accurately, and without writing a novel
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, or behavior management systems (or a willingness to learn fast)
- Experience balancing multiple responsibilities at once—supervising, engaging, documenting, and solving problems on the fly
- Knowledge of community resources and referral processes
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 language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You stay calm under pressure, lead with empathy, and know how to set clear, consistent boundaries. You connect easily with youth, think on your feet, and handle challenges with confidence and sound judgment. You’re reliable, team-oriented, and driven to do work that makes a real impact.
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