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Job description
Salary Range $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly
nPosition Type Full Time
nJob Shift Any
nEducation Level 4 Year Degree
nTravel Percentage Up to 25%
nCategory Direct Care - Supportive Housing
nHelp young people move from surviving to thriving.
nYSS 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.
nWorking 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.
nYou’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.
nThis 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.
nWhat You'll Do...
nHelp participants find and keep housing
nnnAssess needs and barriers, create individualized housing and self-sufficiency plans, and help participants find, secure, and maintain housing.
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nnBuild positive relationships with landlords, provide advocacy and mediation, and address housing concerns before they become bigger problems.
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nnConduct regular home visits and apartment checks to support housing stability.
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n nBuild skills and independence
nnnHelp participants set goals, track progress, and build the skills needed for independent living.
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nnProvide support with budgeting, banking, credit, transportation, household responsibilities, and navigating community resources.
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nnConnect participants with services such as legal aid, education, employment, healthcare, and other community supports.
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n nProvide consistent, compassionate support
nnnMeet regularly with participants to provide encouragement, problem-solving, crisis support, and advocacy.
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nnBuild trusting, respectful relationships while helping young people recognize their strengths and make progress toward their goals.
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nnHelp participants connect with school, employment, volunteer, and social opportunities.
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n nCommunicate and collaborate
nnnWork closely with participants, landlords, YSS teams, referral sources, and community partners to coordinate support and resolve concerns.
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nnParticipate in team meetings, program activities, and community events.
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n nKeep things on track
nnnComplete required assessments, case notes, HMIS/HUD documentation, housing paperwork, and program data accurately and on time.
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nnFollow program policies and requirements while maintaining participant confidentiality.
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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 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..
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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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 :
nnnBachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field.
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nnAt least two years of experience working with youth, young adults, or individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
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nnAbility to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and appropriate documentation.
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nnTravel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
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nnbe 21 years of age,
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nnhave a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, and
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nnhave a clean driving record.
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n nPreferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
nnnExperience in rapid rehousing, transitional living, or supportive housing.
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nnExperience with case management, housing navigation, advocacy, or supportive services.
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nnKnowledge of housing systems, tenant/landlord responsibilities, and community resources.
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nnUnderstanding of Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Positive Youth Development, and crisis intervention.
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nnExperience supporting independent living skills, budgeting, employment, education, or public benefits.
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nnFamiliarity with HMIS, ServicePoint, RHY, HUD programs, or similar systems.
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nnStrong communication, problem-solving, organization, and relationship-building skills.
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nnAbility to work independently while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
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n nThe IDEAL Candidate
nnnIs 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. 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
ames, IA, 50011, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.