Recovery Specialist (56165)

Come joinYSSas a Recovery Specialist on our Ember Recovery Campus in this role youll be a consistent source of encouragement structure and support for youth in residential addiction treatment. Through positive relationships skill-building and everyday interactions youll help residents build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed in recovery.

Working on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule youll create a safe welcoming home environment while facilitating groups coaching healthy habits supporting treatment goals and helping youth navigate the challengesand victoriesof daily life. While this isnt a therapy role your guidance and mentorship will have a lasting impact on each residents recovery journey.

What Youll Do...

• Build supportive relationships that foster trust growth and accountability.
• Facilitate engaging life skills and recovery-focused groups.
• Coach youth as they work toward treatment goals and greater independence.
• Create a safe structured and welcoming home environment.
• Supervise daily routines activities and community living.
• Maintain a clean safe and organized facility.
• Transport residents to appointments work school and community activities.
• Respond calmly to crises and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Supervise volunteers and substitute staff while on duty.
• Document participant progress and communicate with the treatment team.

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

Who You Are...

Youre part coach part cheerleader and part problem-solver. You enjoy building relationships creating structure and helping youth discover their strengths as they work toward healthier more independent futures.

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:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in human services behavioral health youth services or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of current continuous sobriety.
• Flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.
• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to support youth through challenges with patience consistency and compassion.
• Youll be driving a YSS vehicle so we need you to:
  • Be at least 21
  • Have a valid drivers license anda clean driving record
  • Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelors degree in social work education human services or a related field.
• Experience working with youth families or individuals in recovery.
• Strong active listening communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think critically solve problems and respond calmly in challenging situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organization time management and follow-through skills.
• Experience with documentation and maintaining accurate records.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and recovery-focused practices.

TheIDEALCandidate

• 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