YSS
Location
Mason City, Iowa
Salary
$20 / HOUR
The Youth Specialist is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth in a residential setting. Duties include leading daily routines, managing group dynamics, providing crisis support, and maintaining accurate client documentation.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with youth or vulnerable populations. A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and the ability to pass background checks are mandatory.
Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, education, or a related field. One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting. Comfortable stepping into high-stress or unpredictable situations and responding with calm, sound judgment Experience leading or facilitating groups, activities, or skill-building sessions (think life skills, social skills, or recreational programming) Strong documentation skills—you can capture what happened clearly, accurately, and without writing a novel Familiarity with trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, or behavior management systems (or a willingness to learn fast) Experience balancing multiple responsibilities at once—supervising, engaging, documenting, and solving problems on the fly Knowledge of community resources and referral processes 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 language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities). Who You Are... You stay calm under pressure, lead with empathy, and know how to set clear, consistent boundaries. You connect easily with youth, think on your feet, and handle challenges with confidence and sound judgment. You’re reliable, team-oriented, and driven to do work that makes a real impact. 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 oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org! At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together. YSS is a nicotine-free workplace. Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers. Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience. Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you. References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises. Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed). Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.
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