Salary Range $18.00 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Job Shift Any
Education Level High School/GED
Travel Percentage Up to 25%
Category Direct Care – Residential Addiction Treatment
Help youth turn recovery into real life.
Come join YSS as a Recovery Specialist on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. In this role, you’ll be a consistent source of encouragement, structure, and support for youth in residential addiction treatment. Through positive relationships, skill-building, and everyday interactions, you’ll help residents build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed in recovery.
Working on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule, you’ll create a safe, welcoming home environment while facilitating groups, coaching healthy habits, supporting treatment goals, and helping youth navigate the challenges-and victories-of daily life. While this isn’t a therapy role, your guidance and mentorship will have a lasting impact on each resident’s recovery journey.
What You’ll Do…
+ Build supportive relationships that foster trust, growth, and accountability.
+ Facilitate engaging life skills and recovery-focused groups.
+ Coach youth as they work toward treatment goals and greater independence.
+ Create a safe, structured, and welcoming home environment.
+ Supervise daily routines, activities, and community living.
+ Maintain a clean, safe, and organized facility.
+ Transport residents to appointments, work, school, and community activities.
+ Respond calmly to crises and participate in an on-call rotation.
+ Supervise volunteers and substitute staff while on duty.
+ Document participant progress and communicate with the treatment team.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Who You Are…
You’re part coach, part cheerleader, and part problem-solver . You enjoy building relationships, creating structure, and helping youth discover their strengths as they work toward healthier, more independent futures.
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
+ Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
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
What We’re Looking For…
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 :
+ High school diploma or equivalent.
+ One year of experience in human services, behavioral health, youth services, or a related field.
+ Minimum of two years of current, continuous sobriety.
+ Flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.
+ Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
+ Ability to support youth through challenges with patience, consistency, and compassion.
+ You’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
+ Be at least 21
+ Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
+ Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
Preferred Qualifications – SHOULD HAVES:
+ Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, human services, or a related field.
+ Experience working with youth, families, or individuals in recovery.
+ Strong active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.
+ Ability to think critically, solve problems, and respond calmly in challenging situations.
+ Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
+ Strong organization, time management, and follow-through skills.
+ Experience with documentation and maintaining accurate records.
+ Understanding of trauma-informed care and recovery-focused practices.
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 address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com . 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