At YSS, we believe one caring adult can change a young person's life. As a Mentoring Program Facilitator, you'll help make those life-changing connections happen. You'll recruit and support dedicated volunteer mentors, partner with schools and YSS programs to identify youth who can benefit from mentoring, and thoughtfully match mentors and mentees based on personalities, interests, and goals.
Through relationship-building, coordination, training, and ongoing support, you'll help create meaningful mentoring experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and brighter futures.
This is a full-time school-based position working August-May with summers off. Primary schools will be the Ames Elementary and Middle Schools.
Build Meaningful Mentoring Relationships
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Recruit, screen, train, and onboard volunteer mentors following program standards and best practices.
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Thoughtfully match mentors and mentees based on personalities, interests, needs, and availability.
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Provide ongoing coaching, training, encouragement, and recognition to help mentors build successful, lasting relationships with youth.
Partner with Youth, Families & Schools
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Collaborate with YSS staff, school personnel, parents, and guardians to identify youth, obtain participation approvals, and support successful mentoring relationships.
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Establish clear expectations and coordinate mentoring schedules, activities, and meeting locations.
Coordinate Programs & Events
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Plan and organize group activities, seasonal events, and special gatherings for mentors and mentees.
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Promote the Mentoring Program through community outreach and volunteer recruitment.
Ensure Program Success
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Monitor mentoring relationships and complete evaluations to support positive outcomes and continuous program improvement.
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Maintain accurate participant records, documentation, grant data, and program statistics.
Collaborate & Grow
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Partner with the Mentoring Manager and fellow Facilitators to strengthen and grow the program.
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Participate in required meetings and professional development, including a minimum of six hours of annual training related to mentoring, prevention, or volunteer management.
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Follow YSS policies and procedures.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
You're a natural relationship builder who believes every young person deserves a caring adult in their corner. You enjoy connecting people, building community partnerships, and creating opportunities that help youth grow in confidence, resilience, and hope. Organized, compassionate, and encouraging, you're just as comfortable recruiting and supporting volunteers as you are working with schools, families, and community partners..
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 something relevant (education, public health, prevention, or anything youth-related).
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At least 2 years of experience doing similar awesome work.
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You’re cool with hitting the road and traveling to schools within 25 miles of any YSS location.
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
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Experience in public health, prevention work, youth development, or volunteer wrangling.
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You've worked with school-aged kids before—and loved it!
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You've worked with high-risk youth.
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Communication skills that command attention - whether you’re speaking, listening, writing, or presenting.
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You’re the person who can start a conversation with anyone, anywhere—and keep it engaging.
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A natural collaborator who can:
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Solve problems with style
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Think on your feet
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Manage time like a pro
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Juggle projects and people without dropping a thing
The IDEAL Candidate
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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
