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Job description
Salary Range $17.28 - $20.00 Hourly
nPosition Type Full Time
nJob Shift Any
nEducation Level 4 Year Degree
nTravel Percentage Up to 50%
nCategory Direct Care - Supportive Housing
nConnection Starts Here. Stability Starts Now.
nYSS is looking for a motivated, detail oriented, approachable YSS is looking for a compassionate, adaptable, and relationship-driven Street Outreach Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team. In this role, you'll connect with young adults ages 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or recently housed. By building trust, meeting immediate needs, and connecting youth to critical resources, you'll help create pathways toward safety, stability, and independence..
nWhether you're providing support at the YOC, in a school, at a shelter, or through street outreach across the Des Moines community, you'll help youth meet their immediate needs, connect with life-changing resources, and take meaningful steps toward a more stable future.
nWhat You'll Do...
nnnBuild trusting relationships with participants while fostering a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
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nnConduct street outreach and engage youth where they are, connecting them to support and services.
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nnHelp participants meet basic needs by coordinating access to food, clothing, hygiene products, transportation, and other essential resources.
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nnConnect youth with housing, healthcare, victim services, employment, education, and other community resources through referrals and advocacy.
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nnFacilitate individual and group programming focused on life skills, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and healthy decision-making.
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nnComplete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
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nnPromote positive connections with peers, supportive adults, and community partners to strengthen each participant's support network.
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nnRepresent YSS in the community by educating partners and stakeholders about youth homelessness and the services available through Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.
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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 believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported —no matter their circumstances. You’re compassionate, adaptable, and able to build trust with youth from all walks of life. You meet people where they are , remain calm in challenging situations, and are passionate about helping young adults find stability, connection, and hope..
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.
nSupportive Culture & Work Environment
nnnSupportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
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nnFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
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nnEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
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n nHealth & Wellness Benefits
nnnComprehensive health insurance
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nnVoluntary dental and vision insurance
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nnLife insurance and long-term disability coverage
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nnSupplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
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nnFlexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
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nnFlu shots and mental health support resources
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nnPaid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
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n nTime Off & Work-Life Balance
nnnGenerous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
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nnPaid holidays, including a birthday holiday
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nnVolunteer time off
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n nFinancial & Retirement Benefits
nnnCompetitive salary
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nnSupplemental compensation award
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nn403(b) retirement savings plan
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n nProfessional & Career Support
nnnProfessional liability insurance coverage
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nnPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer
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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:
nnnA bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
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nnOR
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nnThree (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.
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n nPreferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
nnnUnderstanding of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability and the ability to provide trauma-informed support.
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nnKnowledge of the Des Moines community and available resources for youth.
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nnStrong communication skills, including active listening, verbal communication, and written documentation.
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nnCalm, patient, and professional when responding to challenging situations.
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nnAbility to build positive, respectful relationships with youth, teammates, and community partners.
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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.