YSS is looking to add to our Youth Opportunity Center team in Des Moines. As the Self-Sufficiency Advocate (SSA) & Youth Transition Decision-Making (YTDM) Facilitator, you'll wear two meaningful hats while supporting youth involved in foster care or court-appointed placement.
As an SSA, you'll partner with youth ages 17–23 as they prepare for adulthood, providing case management, advocacy, life skills support, and encouragement as they work toward independence and self-sufficiency.
As a YTDM Facilitator, you'll coordinate and lead YTDM meetings, helping young people take an active role in planning their future while ensuring their voices remain at the center of every conversation.
Together, these roles create opportunities for youth to build lasting connections, make informed decisions, and confidently take their next steps.
Support & Empower Youth
-
Build trusting relationships that help youth develop confidence, independence, and self-sufficiency.
-
Provide individualized case management and Aftercare Services for youth ages 17–23.
-
Meet regularly with youth in their homes, schools, communities, or virtually.
-
Connect youth with resources and services that help them reach their goals.
-
Help ensure each youth's immediate safety and basic needs are addressed whenever possible.
-
Transport youth to meetings, appointments, and other program activities as needed.
Lead Youth Transition Planning
-
Coordinate every step of the YTDM process—from referral through follow-up.
-
Prepare youth to lead meaningful conversations about their future.
-
Schedule meetings and coordinate participation from family members, professionals, and other supports.
-
Facilitate engaging, youth-centered meetings where every voice is respected and heard.
Collaborate & Build Connections
-
Partner with schools, employers, therapists, child welfare staff, and community providers to support youth success.
-
Respond promptly to referrals and maintain communication with agency partners.
-
Work collaboratively with teammates while promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness.
Keep Things Running Smoothly
-
Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and required reports.
-
Ensure services meet Iowa Aftercare Services Network contract requirements and program standards.
-
Stay current on Iowa Code, Aftercare Services, and YTDM best practices.
-
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and agency initiatives.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
You're a relationship builder who believes every young person deserves a champion. You know how to listen, encourage, and empower youth to make decisions about their future while providing the guidance and support they need to thrive. You're organized enough to keep the details on track and compassionate enough to keep youth at the center of everything you do.
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
-
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
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, Case Management, Nursing, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant human services experience.
-
At least one (1) year of experience in the human services field
-
You believe every young person deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered.
-
You’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
-
Be at least 21
-
Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
-
Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
-
You've worked with youth or young adults navigating foster care, juvenile justice, or other life transitions.
-
You've helped people navigate services, build life skills, or reach personal goals.
-
You know how to build trust, earn respect, and connect with young people.
-
You're an organized human who can juggle calendars, case notes, and conversations without dropping the ball.
-
You communicate with confidence, kindness, and authenticity—whether you're talking with youth, families, or community partners.
-
You're comfortable solving problems and helping people work toward shared goals.
-
You can work independently, but you also know that the best outcomes come from teamwork.
-
You value accuracy and can keep documentation clear, organized, and on time.
-
You've facilitated meetings, groups, or conversations where everyone had a seat at the table.
-
You're a natural connector who knows your community—or loves discovering resources that can make a difference.
-
You thrive in a role where no two days look exactly the same.
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.
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.
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...
-
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
