Lead Recovery Specialist (55013)
YSS, Cambridge, IA, United States
Salary Range $19.50 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Job Shift Any
Education Level 4 Year Degree
Travel Percentage Up to 25%
Category Direct Care - Residential Addiction Treatment
We Are YSS!
Step up. Lead strong. Make recovery possible.
YSS is looking for a compassionate, dependable, motivated, Full-Time, Recovery Specialist Shift Lead to join our Ember Recovery Campus (https://www.yss.org/program/ember-recovery/) . If you are ready to help build coping skills, educate on substance abuse, and motivate youth to be successful in their journey toward sobriety, come work with us!. This position's primary responsibilities include the supervision and care of the clients as well as providing support during crisis situations.
What You'll Do...
Relating to clients in a caring, supportive, and therapeutic manner.
Providing the necessary amount of structure to facilitate growth.
Consistently observing limits and consequences and sees that they are carried out.
Enforcing rules and procedures as established in all YSS materials.
Ensuring that client’s needs are being met through the proper request process.
Maintaining communication with internal and external resources (partnership with clinical and leadership staff).
Communicating with client family members and workers.
Part of the on-call rotation for client support.
This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What We Provide...
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:
Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits.
Health insurance
Voluntary dental insurance
Voluntary vision insurance
Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
Professional liability insurance coverage
Flexible spending account/health savings account
Supplemental compensation award
Generous Paid Time off and Leave
Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
Volunteer time off
Paid holiday leave
Birthday holiday
Wellness Program Opportunities
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Employee Assistance Program for all employees
Flu shots
Mental health support
YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
403(b) retirement offerings
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
What We Ask...
To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ”Can Do” Spirit . We also ask for the following:
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree or higher in a human services related field.
One (1) year of related experience.
This role involves travel, including transporting clients. To meet YSS insurance requirements, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Hold a valid state-issued driver’s license
Maintain a clean driving record
Carry insurance that meets YSS coverage standards
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of youth facing homelessness or housing instability, applying trauma-informed care and effective intervention strategies.
Communicates with clarity and empathy—skilled in active listening, observation, speaking, and writing to effectively engage youth, colleagues, and community partners..
Demonstrates integrity and adheres to ethical standards in all interactions and decision-making.
Maintains reliability and accountability, consistently meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities.
Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributing positively to a supportive and team-oriented environment..
The IDEAL Candidate Will:
Be mission-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Approach their work with humility, respect, and sensitivity to diverse identities and lived experiences.
Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re a natural leader who can guide a team while staying hands-on with clients. You communicate openly, think on your feet, and bring a steady presence to unpredictable situations. You hold yourself and others accountable, and you’re driven by the impact this work has on youth and their futures.
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.
Who We Are...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big . Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS , we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help!
The YSS Hiring Process
Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.
Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.
References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.
Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.
Position Type Full Time
Job Shift Any
Education Level 4 Year Degree
Travel Percentage Up to 25%
Category Direct Care - Residential Addiction Treatment
We Are YSS!
Step up. Lead strong. Make recovery possible.
YSS is looking for a compassionate, dependable, motivated, Full-Time, Recovery Specialist Shift Lead to join our Ember Recovery Campus (https://www.yss.org/program/ember-recovery/) . If you are ready to help build coping skills, educate on substance abuse, and motivate youth to be successful in their journey toward sobriety, come work with us!. This position's primary responsibilities include the supervision and care of the clients as well as providing support during crisis situations.
What You'll Do...
Relating to clients in a caring, supportive, and therapeutic manner.
Providing the necessary amount of structure to facilitate growth.
Consistently observing limits and consequences and sees that they are carried out.
Enforcing rules and procedures as established in all YSS materials.
Ensuring that client’s needs are being met through the proper request process.
Maintaining communication with internal and external resources (partnership with clinical and leadership staff).
Communicating with client family members and workers.
Part of the on-call rotation for client support.
This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What We Provide...
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:
Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits.
Health insurance
Voluntary dental insurance
Voluntary vision insurance
Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
Professional liability insurance coverage
Flexible spending account/health savings account
Supplemental compensation award
Generous Paid Time off and Leave
Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
Volunteer time off
Paid holiday leave
Birthday holiday
Wellness Program Opportunities
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Employee Assistance Program for all employees
Flu shots
Mental health support
YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
403(b) retirement offerings
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
What We Ask...
To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ”Can Do” Spirit . We also ask for the following:
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree or higher in a human services related field.
One (1) year of related experience.
This role involves travel, including transporting clients. To meet YSS insurance requirements, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Hold a valid state-issued driver’s license
Maintain a clean driving record
Carry insurance that meets YSS coverage standards
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of youth facing homelessness or housing instability, applying trauma-informed care and effective intervention strategies.
Communicates with clarity and empathy—skilled in active listening, observation, speaking, and writing to effectively engage youth, colleagues, and community partners..
Demonstrates integrity and adheres to ethical standards in all interactions and decision-making.
Maintains reliability and accountability, consistently meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities.
Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributing positively to a supportive and team-oriented environment..
The IDEAL Candidate Will:
Be mission-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Approach their work with humility, respect, and sensitivity to diverse identities and lived experiences.
Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re a natural leader who can guide a team while staying hands-on with clients. You communicate openly, think on your feet, and bring a steady presence to unpredictable situations. You hold yourself and others accountable, and you’re driven by the impact this work has on youth and their futures.
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.
Who We Are...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big . Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS , we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help!
The YSS Hiring Process
Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.
Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.
References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.
Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.