Youth Specialist, PM (55386)
Mason City, IL - USA
Job Summary
Description
Qualifications
Be the calm in the chaos. The structure in the storm. And sometimesthe snack provider.
As a PM Youth Specialist youre on the front lines of supportcreating a safe steady and respectful environment for youth who need it most. Working at the YSS of North Iowalocation inMason Cityyoull guide daily routines build connections and help clients develop the skills they need to move forward.
No two days look the same (and honestly thats part of the fun). One minute youre leading a group the next youre helping de-escalate a tough moment and somewhere in there you might be making grilled cheese for a group that suddenly decided theyre starving.
Work shifts are 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm and include a rotating schedule of weekday weekend and holiday hours.
What Youll Do...
Create structure safety and a little bit of magic
- Keep a watchful eye on clients at all timesknowing where they are what theyre doing and how theyre doing
- Set the tone by modeling respect boundaries and solid life skills
- Guide daily routines so clients know what to expect and can feel grounded
Teach real-life skills (the kind they dont learn on TikTok)
- Lead group sessions on social skills coping strategies and everyday life skills
- Turn chores into teachable momentslaundry cleaning and basic independence
- Plan activities that get clients moving engaged and maybe even laughing
Handle the tough stuff with confidence
- Step in during crises with calm clear intervention
- Document behaviors incidents and progressbecause details matter
- Complete intakes reports and client logs with accuracy and care
Be a connector and problem-solver
- Take referral calls and help connect individuals to the right services
- Gather key information and support the intake/admissions process
- Work closely with your team and supervisors to make smart timely decisions
Keep the environment safe and running smoothly
- Help maintain a clean safe and welcoming facility
- Run safety drills (fire tornadoMidwest perks) and ensure readiness
- Pitch in with meals snacks and the occasional we need this fixed ASAP moment
This 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
This role isnt always easybut it is meaningful. Youll be part mentor part coach part crisis navigator and part everyday hero. If youre looking for work that matters (and keeps you on your toes) youll fit right in.
Qualifications
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.
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations
- Basic computer skills and comfort learning systems like EMRs
- Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes you must:
- be 21 years of age
- have a current valid state-issued drivers license and
- have aclean driving record.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in human services social work psychology education or a related field.
- One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting.
- Comfortable stepping into high-stress or unpredictable situations and responding with calm sound judgment
- Experience leading or facilitating groups activities or skill-building sessions (think life skills social skills or recreational programming)
- Strong documentation skillsyou can capture what happened clearly accurately and without writing a novel
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care de-escalation techniques or behavior management systems (or a willingness to learn fast)
- Experience balancing multiple responsibilities at oncesupervising engaging documenting and solving problems on the fly
- Knowledge of community resources and referral processes
The IDEAL candidate:
- Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
- Brings humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speaks a languagein addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You stay calm under pressure lead with empathy and know how to set clear consistent boundaries. You connect easily with youth think on your feet and handle challenges with confidence and sound judgment. Youre reliable team-oriented and driven to do work that makes a real impact.
We Celebrate 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.
Who We Are...
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 an enthusiastic 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 were 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 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.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
At YSS, we strengthen families by providing education, counseling, and stability through a wide variety of youth mental health services.