DescriptionYSS is looking for a motivated detail oriented approachableStreet Outreach Advocate to join ourYouth Opportunity Center (YOC) team! You will supervise provide support and establish rapport with young adults 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness at risk of becoming homeless and/or recently housed. As an Advocate you will ensure the safety and well-being of participants while assisting them in meeting their basic needs and working towards stability.
Participant interactions may be in the YOC community-based settings emergency shelters or schools. Interactions may also be in outdoor locations where young people may be including on the streets of Des Moines camping areas abandoned houses near railroad tracks and other areas as identified. The goal is to ensure all basic needs of the participants are met and that they are provided with a safe welcoming environment in which to work towards stability. Additional responsibilities include:
- Supervise support and build positive rapport with program participants while maintaining a safe respectful and inclusive environment.
- Deliver programming to help participants meet basic needssuch as food transportation clothing and hygieneby:
- Increasing awareness of community resources and available services.
- Assisting participants in accessing those resources and making appropriate referrals to shelter healthcare and victim services.
- Strengthening positive connections with peers adults and the community.
- Facilitating group sessions focused on crisis intervention de-escalation and basic life skills.
- Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
- Represent YSS in the community and share information about the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and youth homelessness as needed.
This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What you can expect in return.
We believe in your potential we meet you where you are and we invest in your future. Beyond meaningful mission-driven work YSS provides the following benefits:
- Medical dental vision and life insurance
- Supplemental accident critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
- Accrued PTO plus paid time off for holidays your birthday and volunteering
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet insurance discounts
- PSLF Program qualification
- Recognition training and wellness programs
- Retirement saving options
This isnt just a job - its a chance to be the spark in someones story. If youre ready to inspire connect and lead with purpose apply today and become part of something meaningful at YSS.
QualificationsTo 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 in social work or a related human services field.
- Three (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.
- 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 drivers 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.
- Possesses strong knowledge of the Des Moines community and the ability to connect young people with appropriate resources and supports.
- Communicates with clarity and empathyskilled in active listening observation speaking and writing to effectively engage youth colleagues and community partners.
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).
We celebrate the strength in your story.
Have you navigated recovery from addiction mental health challenges trauma or housing instabilityYour 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 youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.
For those in recovery we typically ask for two years of sobriety to ensure stability and readiness for leadership though candidates with one year may be considered case by case.
Who we are (and why youll love us).
Were YSS one of Iowas oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission To spark hope create opportunities and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs a passionate leadership team and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus were growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at !
At YSS we celebrate the unique backgrounds identities and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we are dedicated to creating a respectful inclusive and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And were always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Dont 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 maybe your spam/junk folder too). Got questions Email
- were happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply Fill out the online app at Well check out your skills and experience.
- Interview Phone video or in-person well 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 its a match youll get a formal offer through Paycom.
* Applicable Degrees: Addiction Counseling Addiction Studies Adolescent Psychology Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Child Psychology Clinical Mental Health Corrections Counseling Criminal Justice Education Family Science Family Studies Family Therapy Human Services Juvenile Justice Juvenile Rehabilitation Mental Health Nursing Psychology Public Administration Public Health Rehabilitation Services Social Work Therapeutic Recreation Youth Development Youth Services
Keywords: Abuse Addiction Advocacy Analysis Assessment At-risk Behavioral Care Case CBT Centered Client Coach Cognitive Community Coordination Counseling Crisis Detox Develop Education Engagement Evaluation Evidence-Based Facilitation Family Flexibility Group Health Holistic Human Individual Informed Inpatient Intervention Living Management Mental Monitoring Motivational Outpatient Outreach Peer Personalized Planning Plans Prevention Program Psychiatry Psychology Recovery Rehabilitation Relapse Services Sober Social Specialist Substance Support Technique Therapeutic Therapy Trauma Treatment Use Wellness