Residential Certified Counselor (55925)

YSS is seeking an empathetic knowledgeable and compassionate Residential Certified Counselor to join us on our Ember Recovery Campus. In this role youll provide therapeutic support to adolescents and their families as they navigate substance use challenges mental health concerns and behavioral needs.

As part of a collaborative residential treatment team youll use evidence-based counseling approaches to help youth build coping skills strengthen relationships and develop the tools needed to successfully transition back to their homes and communities. Your work will provide hope healing and meaningful support during a critical time in a young persons life.

What Youll Do...

• Provide individual family and group counseling using a variety of therapeutic approaches to support adolescents and their families.
• Facilitate skill-building activities and provide crisis intervention to help youth develop healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
• Collaborate with the residential treatment team to support individualized care plans and successful transitions back into the community.
• Complete accurate timely and compliant documentation in accordance with YSS standards and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain required schedules for counseling sessions groups meetings and administrative responsibilities.
• Handle confidential information and documentation with professionalism care and discretion.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional expectations related to counseling certification and YSS policies.
• Build strong partnerships with adolescents families coworkers and community providers through effective communication and collaboration.

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

Who You Are...

Youre a compassionate counselor who believes every young person has the ability to heal grow and create a brighter future. You bring clinical knowledge empathy and a steady presence to your work with adolescents and families. Youre skilled at building trust navigating challenging conversations and helping youth develop the tools they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

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:

• Bachelors degree in social work or related human services field.
  • Experience may be substituted for degree.
• Temporary Certification by the Iowa Board for Substance Abuse as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is required.
  • A full CADC is required within 6 months.

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Two years of full time experience in the delivery of substance use services to adolescents in a public or private organization.
• Clientfocused and able to collaborate communicate and coordinate with others.
• Is an active patient listener.
• Usescritical thinking skills to problems solve.
• Ability to manage resources effectively.

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