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Job description
Salary Range $17.00 Hourly
nPosition Type Part Time
nJob Shift Overnight
nTravel Percentage Minimal
nCategory Direct Care - Supportive Housing
nCreate Safe Nights. Build Brighter Futures.
nCome join YSS as an Youth Specialist - PT ! You'll help create a safe, supportive, and stable environment where young people can rest, grow, and build independence. During your awake shifts (8:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.– 8:00 a.m.), you'll provide supervision, guidance, and crisis support while ensuring each youth's basic needs are met. Between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., you'll remain on-site in a sleep period, available to respond to emergencies as needed.
nThis position has a unique schedule: Wednesday, overnight shift, 8:00 pm - 8:00 am and Friday, day shift, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm .
nThrough compassion, consistency, and encouragement, you'll help youth feel respected, supported, and empowered as they work toward a brighter future.
nWhat You'll Do...
nSupport & Supervise Youth
nnnProvide awake overnight supervision from 8:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.– 8:00 a.m., remaining on-site and available to respond to emergencies during designated sleep hours (1:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.).
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nnBuild trusting, supportive relationships while consistently enforcing program expectations, boundaries, and safety guidelines.
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nnMonitor daily routines, including curfew, bedtime, wake-up, chores, personal hygiene, and visitor activity to maintain a safe, structured living environment.
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nnSupport youth in meeting their basic needs, including access to food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, transportation, and other essential resources.
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nnTeach and reinforce independent living skills such as budgeting, cooking, meal planning, laundry, job searching, transportation, healthy relationships, communication, problem-solving, and self-care.
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nnConnect youth with community resources and assist with referrals when appropriate.
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n nEnsure Safety & Respond to Needs
nnnConduct emergency bed intakes, urinalysis testing, and room searches as appropriate to maintain a safe, substance-free environment.
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nnRespond to medical needs, administer medications as authorized, and notify on-call staff of emergencies or significant incidents.
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nnRemain prepared to respond promptly to emergencies throughout the overnight shift.
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n nMaintain the Program Environment
nnnKeep the facility clean, safe, and welcoming by completing housekeeping tasks, preparing vacant units for new residents, performing laundry, and conducting routine safety inspections.
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nnIdentify maintenance concerns, report repair needs, and assist with inventory of household, food, and personal care supplies.
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n nDocumentation & Communication
nnnComplete accurate and timely documentation, including shift logs, incident reports, medication records, and required program paperwork.
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nnAssist youth with completing required assessments, applications, and other program documentation.
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nnProvide phone and front desk support during non-office hours and ensure the program phone remains accessible throughout the overnight shift.
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nnParticipate in team meetings, supervision, and required training to support effective communication and high-quality services.
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n nThis is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
nWho You Are...
nYou're calm under pressure, compassionate by nature , and believe every young person deserves a safe place to land. You know that the overnight hours can be some of the most important , providing stability, consistency, and reassurance when it's needed most. You're dependable, observant, and ready to step in with encouragement, guidance, or support whenever the moment calls for it.
nWhat We Provide...
nWe 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.
nnnEmployee Assistance Program
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nnEmployee Recognition Program
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nnPersonal Wellness Programs
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nnPet Insurance Discounts
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nnPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
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nnRetirement Savings Opportunities
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nnOngoing Training and Professional Development
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n nWhat We're Looking For...
nWe 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 .
nRequired Qualifications - MUST HAVES:
nnnHigh School Diploma/equivalent.
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nnAt least one year of experience in the human services field is required.
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nnYou’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
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nnBe at least 21
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nnHave a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
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nnCarry insurance that meets YSS standards
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n nPreferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
nnnStrong active listening skills with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
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nnSound judgment and critical thinking skills to assess situations and make thoughtful decisions.
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nnExcellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport and share information effectively.
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nnAbility to collaborate with teammates, community partners, and youth to achieve positive outcomes.
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nnStrong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and use resources effectively.
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nnExcellent time management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and work independently.
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n nThe IDEAL Candidate
nnnIs dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
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nnIs rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
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nnBrings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
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nnSpeaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
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n nWe Celebrate Your Story...
nHave 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.
nWho We Are...
nWe’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.
nnnFrom life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
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nnWe 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.
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nnYSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
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n nStay Connected...
nWe communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: . 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 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
nOur Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...
nnnApply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
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nnAssessment – We review your skills and experience
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nnInterview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
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nnReferences – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
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nnScreening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
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nnOffer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom
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Worksite address
des moines, IA, 50319, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.