YSS 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..
Whether 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.
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Build trusting relationships with participants while fostering a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
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Conduct street outreach and engage youth where they are, connecting them to support and services.
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Help participants meet basic needs by coordinating access to food, clothing, hygiene products, transportation, and other essential resources.
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Connect youth with housing, healthcare, victim services, employment, education, and other community resources through referrals and advocacy.
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Facilitate individual and group programming focused on life skills, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and healthy decision-making.
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Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
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Promote positive connections with peers, supportive adults, and community partners to strengthen each participant's support network.
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Represent YSS in the community by educating partners and stakeholders about youth homelessness and the services available through Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
You 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..
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
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Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
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Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
Health & Wellness Benefits
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Comprehensive health insurance
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Voluntary dental and vision insurance
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Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
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Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
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Flu shots and mental health support resources
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Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Time Off & Work-Life Balance
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Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
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Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
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Volunteer time off
Financial & Retirement Benefits
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Competitive salary
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Supplemental compensation award
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403(b) retirement savings plan
Professional & Career Support
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Professional liability insurance coverage
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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:
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A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
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OR
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Three (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
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Understanding of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability and the ability to provide trauma-informed support.
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Knowledge of the Des Moines community and available resources for youth.
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Strong communication skills, including active listening, verbal communication, and written documentation.
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Calm, patient, and professional when responding to challenging situations.
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Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth, teammates, and community partners.
The IDEAL Candidate
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Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
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Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
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Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
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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.
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.
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From 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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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.
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YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...
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Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
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Assessment – We review your skills and experience
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Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
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References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
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Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
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Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom
