YSS is looking for a Youth Transition Decision-Making (YTDM) Facilitator to join our Family Life Center team in Ames. In this role, you'll help youth involved in foster care or court-appointed placement build confidence, strengthen their support network, and make informed decisions about what's next. You'll coordinate and facilitate youth-led meetings that bring together family members, professionals, and other trusted adults to create a plan for a successful transition into adulthood.
From the first referral to the final follow-up, you'll guide the process with compassion, organization, and a commitment to ensuring every young person's voice is heard.
This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds! You'll split your time between working in office AND traveling throughout Central Iowa. Travel occurs within the following counties: Green, Guthrie, Story, Boone, Marshall, Tama, Jasper, and Poweshiek. This position offers up to 20 hours per week, with actual hours varying based on referral volume and program needs.
Empower Youth
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Build trusting relationships that help youth feel confident, prepared, and ready to lead their YTDM meetings.
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Coach youth before, during, and after meetings so their goals, strengths, and voice remain at the center of every conversation.
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Provide basic assessments and case management to support each youth's transition planning.
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Help ensure each youth's immediate safety and basic needs are addressed whenever possible.
Coordinate the Process
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Manage referrals and guide each youth through the YTDM process from start to finish.
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Gather information from child welfare staff and other partners to prepare for successful meetings.
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Schedule meetings, coordinate logistics, and invite family members, professionals, and other supportive adults.
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Prepare meeting materials and ensure everyone has what they need for a productive discussion.
Facilitate Meaningful Conversations
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Lead engaging, youth-centered meetings where every participant feels welcomed, respected, and heard.
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Encourage collaboration while helping the team create practical, youth-driven plans for the future.
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Distribute and collect post-meeting surveys to support continuous program improvement.
Collaborate & Stay Connected
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Build strong partnerships with schools, employers, therapists, child welfare staff, and other community supports.
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Maintain regular communication with partners to help youth stay connected to services and resources.
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Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
Keep Things Running Smoothly
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Maintain accurate documentation, meeting notes, and reports within required timelines.
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Ensure all services comply with YTDM contract requirements, policies, and best practices.
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Continue learning and applying the principles of youth engagement, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care.
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Transport youth to meetings or program activities as needed.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
You're a natural encourager who believes young people deserve a seat at the table when decisions about their future are made. You know how to bring people together, build trust, and create a space where youth feel confident, supported, and empowered to lead the conversation.
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.
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Employee Assistance Program
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Employee Recognition Program
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Personal Wellness Programs
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Pet Insurance Discounts
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
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Retirement Savings Opportunities
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Ongoing Training and Professional Development
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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Associate'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.
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You believe every young person deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered.
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You’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
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Be at least 21
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Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
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Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:
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Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Case Management, Nursing, or a related field.
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You've worked with youth or young adults navigating foster care, juvenile justice, or other life transitions.
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You've helped people navigate services, build life skills, or reach personal goals.
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You know how to build trust, earn respect, and connect with young people.
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You're an organized human who can juggle calendars, case notes, and conversations without dropping the ball.
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You communicate with confidence, kindness, and authenticity—whether you're talking with youth, families, or community partners.
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You can work independently, but you also know that the best outcomes come from teamwork.
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You value accuracy and can keep documentation clear, organized, and on time.
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You've facilitated meetings, groups, or conversations where everyone had a seat at the table.
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You're a natural connector who knows your community—or loves discovering resources that can make a difference.
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You're commited to trauma-informed, youth-centered practices.
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
