IHYC Street Outreach Advocate (56020)

YSS is looking for a motivated detail oriented approachableYSS is looking for a compassionate adaptable and relationship-driven Street Outreach Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) this role youll connect with young adults ages 1624 who are experiencing homelessness at risk of homelessness or recently housed. By building trust meeting immediate needs and connecting youth to critical resources youll help create pathways toward safety stability and independence..

Whether youre providing support at the YOC in a school at a shelter or through street outreach across the Des Moines community youll help youth meet their immediate needs connect with life-changing resources and take meaningful steps toward a more stable future.

What Youll Do...

• Build trusting relationships with participants while fostering a safe welcoming and respectful environment.
• Conduct street outreach and engage youth where they are connecting them to support and services.
• Help participants meet basic needs by coordinating access to food clothing hygiene products transportation and other essential resources.
• Connect youth with housing healthcare victim services employment education and other community resources through referrals and advocacy.
• Facilitate individual and group programming focused on life skills crisis intervention de-escalation and healthy decision-making.
• Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
• Promote positive connections with peers supportive adults and community partners to strengthen each participants support network.
• Represent YSS in the community by educating partners and stakeholders about youth homelessness and the services available through Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You believe every young person deserves to be seen heard and supportedno matter their circumstances. Youre compassionate adaptable and able to build trust with youth from all walks of life. You meet people where they are remain calm in challenging situations and are passionate about helping young adults find stability connection and hope..

What We Provide...

We invest in peoplebecause when you thrive so do the communities we serve. At YSS youll find meaningful work strong support and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• 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:

• A bachelors degree in social work or a related human services field.
• OR
• Three (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Understanding of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability and the ability to provide trauma-informed support.
• Knowledge of the Des Moines community and available resources for youth.
• Strong communication skills including active listening verbal communication and written documentation.
• Calm patient and professional when responding to challenging situations.
• Ability to build positive respectful relationships with youth teammates and community partners.

TheIDEALCandidate

• Is dependable self-motivated and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
• Brings humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• 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 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 YSSone of Iowas 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.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus were expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at .
• We value the unique backgrounds identities and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were committed to building a respectful inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants viaemail- straight from our Paycom system address: .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 to your list of safe may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at

Our Hiring Process - Heres What to Expect...

• Apply Submit your application at We review your skills and experience
• Interview Phone video or in-person conversation
• References Well connect with 3 professional references
• Screening Background check driving record check and license verification if required
• Offer If its a match youll receive a formal offer through Paycom