Residential Therapist (55777)

At YSS we believe healing happens through connection trust and compassionate care. Were looking for a licensed Residential Therapist to join our team and help adolescents and young adults build the skills resilience and confidence needed to thrive in recovery and successfully transition back into their homes and communities.

In this role youll provide individual family and group therapy while partnering with clients to address substance use mental health and behavioral challenges. Youll play a key role in creating personalized treatment plans supporting progress and helping clients navigate their recovery journey.

What Youll Do...

• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients and their families.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop accurate clinical diagnoses.
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans with measurable goals.
• Provide evidence-based individual family and group therapy services.
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with families treatment teams schools and community partners to coordinate care.
• Advocate for clients and connect them with needed resources and services.
• Respond to crises with professionalism sound clinical judgment and appropriate interventions.
• Maintain timely accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with agency licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Meet established service delivery expectations and productivity standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain clinical excellence.
• Uphold ethical standards licensing requirements and YSS policies and procedures.

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

Who You Are...

You understand that healing happens through connection trust and consistency. Using a trauma-informed approach you create safe spaces where young people feel heard respected and empowered to work toward their goals..

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:

• Masters degree in social work mental health counseling marriage and family therapy or psychology.
• A license (LISW LMFT LMHC LMSW) to practice in the State of Iowa or a temporary license with the intent to seek independent licensure.
• Excellent observational listening verbal and writing skills and fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Knowledge and training in substance use disorders adolescents and families.
• Certification by the Iowa Board of Substance Abuse as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).
• Two years of experience performing similar or related duties.
• Proficient with the majority of Microsoft Office applications and basic database use.
• History of working with youth and families.
• Apositive team-based approach to treatment and working with clients.
• A demonstrated ability to engage youth and establish rapport in creative ways.

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