YSS is looking for a compassionate and dependable Residential Overnight Specialist to join our Embery Recovery staff in Cambridge. If you're someone who thrives in a calm environment, enjoys supporting youth, and believes consistency can change lives, this could be the perfect fit.
At our residential campus, you'll help create a safe, structured, and supportive overnight environment where youth ages 12–18 can rest, recharge, and continue building healthy habits on their recovery journey. While this isn't a counseling role, your presence, encouragement, and consistency play an important part in each participant's success.
-
Create a safe, calm, and supportive overnight environment for youth in recovery.
-
Build positive relationships while providing structure, encouragement, and accountability.
-
Supervise evening, overnight, and early morning routines, ensuring participant safety and well-being.
-
Monitor participant behavior, complete regular room checks, and document observations and significant events.
-
Respond calmly to crises, provide immediate support, and notify on-call staff when needed.
-
Administer medications and ensure participants receive appropriate medical attention when necessary.
-
Enforce program expectations with consistency, fairness, and respect.
-
Support morning routines, including wake-up, hygiene, chores, breakfast, and preparing participants for the day.
-
Transport participants as needed.
-
Communicate overnight updates with the treatment team to support continuity of care.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
You're a calm, dependable professional who knows that the smallest moments can make the biggest difference. You stay steady under pressure, build trust through consistency, and are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where youth can focus on recovery.
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:
-
High school diploma/equivalent.
-
One (1) year of experience in the care and management of groups of adolescents.
-
Flexibility to serve on the on-call rotation and cover shifts.
-
Travel, including transporting clients, is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
-
be 21 years of age,
-
have a valid, state-issued, driver’s license,
-
have a clean driving record, and
-
have adequate insurance coverage per YSS policy.
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
-
Client focused and able to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with others.
-
Is an active, patient, listener.
-
Uses critical thinking skills to problems solve.
-
Ability to manage resources effectively.
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
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
