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Job description
YSS is seeking a compassionate, reliable, and driven Rapid Rehousing Youth Advocate to help young adults move from homelessness toward stability, independence, and a place they can call home.
Working with young adults ages 18-24 , you'll provide individualized, trauma-informed support to help participants secure and maintain housing, build life skills, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals. You'll meet young people where they are-at home, in the community, or at the office-building the trust and relationships that make lasting change possible.
You'll manage a caseload of approximately 12-18 participants , providing housing stabilization, advocacy, crisis intervention, resource coordination, and voluntary case management. You'll also connect participants with community resources and collaborate with landlords and community partners to support successful, sustainable housing.
This isn't just about finding someone an apartment. It's about helping young people build the stability, skills, and confidence to create a future of their own.
What You'll Do...
Help participants find and keep housing
Assess needs and barriers, create individualized housing and self-sufficiency plans, and help participants find, secure, and maintain housing.
Build positive relationships with landlords, provide advocacy and mediation, and address housing concerns before they become bigger problems.
Conduct regular home visits and apartment checks to support housing stability.
Build skills and independence Help participants set goals, track progress, and build the skills needed for independent living.
Provide support with budgeting, banking, credit, transportation, household responsibilities, and navigating community resources.
Connect participants with services such as legal aid, education, employment, healthcare, and other community supports.
Provide consistent, compassionate support Meet regularly with participants to provide encouragement, problem-solving, crisis support, and advocacy.
Build trusting, respectful relationships while helping young people recognize their strengths and make progress toward their goals.
Help participants connect with school, employment, volunteer, and social opportunities.
Communicate and collaborate Work closely with participants, landlords, YSS teams, referral sources, and community partners to coordinate support and resolve concerns.
Participate in team meetings, program activities, and community events.
Keep things on track Complete required assessments, case notes, HMIS/HUD documentation, housing paperwork, and program data accurately and on time.
Follow program policies and requirements while maintaining participant confidentiality.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Who You Are...
You're compassionate, dependable, and comfortable meeting young people where they are -literally and figuratively. You know how to build trust , navigate challenges, and balance empathy with accountability while helping young adults build the skills, confidence, and stability to thrive independently..
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
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
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: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field.
At least two years of experience working with youth, young adults, or individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and appropriate documentation.
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.
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES: Experience in rapid rehousing, transitional living, or supportive housing.
Experience with case management, housing navigation, advocacy, or supportive services.
Knowledge of housing systems, tenant/landlord responsibilities, and community resources.
Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Positive Youth Development, and crisis intervention.
Experience supporting independent living skills, budgeting, employment, education, or public benefits.
Familiarity with HMIS, ServicePoint, RHY, HUD programs, or similar systems.
Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work independently while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
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. 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
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
Worksite address
ames, IA, 50011, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.