YSS is seeking motivated, full-time Recovery Specialists. 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! Due to the continued growth and expansion of our services, we are adding new positions to our team. These roles are not replacements — they reflect our commitment to reaching more individuals and increasing our impact in the community.
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.
Responsibilities include:
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 the growth and productive functioning of the facility.
Providing for the daily maintenance of the house and ensuring 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 maintaining building security. Inspect the house to see that it is clean and orderly.
Transporting residents to meetings, work, doctors’ appointments, recreational activities, etc.
*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 want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS's 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 the YSS policy.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's 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 problem-solve.
Ability to manage resources effectively.
The IDEAL candidate:
Is passionate about helping others and excited to come to work every day.
Is compassionate, patient, and empathetic, with the ability to relate to diverse populations.
Speaks a language(s) in addition to English.
Has personal knowledge and understanding gained through lived experience and the ability to draw on that experience to support others on the journey to stability, recovery, and healing.
YSS’s Hiring Process:
1. Application - Complete an online application at https://www.yss.org/ysscareers/.
2. Assessment – Applications are reviewed for qualifications and completeness.
3. Interview – Initial phone interviews or direct in-person/virtual interviews.
4. References – Submit names, titles, emails, and phone numbers for three or more references.
5. Pre-employment Screening – Applicants must submit background check waiver forms when they apply. YSS conducts a Single Contact Repository (SING) background check on final candidates. This review of Iowa Criminal History, the Sex Offender Registry, and the Abuse Registry for Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse. YSS requires a clean driving record for roles transporting clients. Verification is done in the issue state of the individual’s current license. If applicable, Professional License information is verified through the issuing agency.
6. Offer – Selected applicants will receive a formal offer of employment in the Paycom system.
7. New Hire Meeting - The offer email provides details. You must have this meeting before you can begin work.
