Residential Certified Counselor (55925)

## Help Young People Heal, Grow, and Thrive.

**YSS** is seeking an empathetic, knowledgeable, and compassionate **Residential Certified Counselor** to join us on our **Ember Recovery Campus**. In this role, you’ll 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, you’ll 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 person’s life.

**What You'll 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...**

You’re 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. You’re 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 people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At **YSS**, you’ll 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

## What We're Looking For...

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:**

• Bachelor’s 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.
• Client focused and able to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with others.
• Is an active, patient, listener.
• Uses critical thinking skills to problems solve.
• Ability to manage resources effectively.

**The IDEAL Candidate**

• 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 instability? Your 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 you’re ready to use it to **uplift and empower others**, we warmly encourage you to apply.

**Who We Are...**

We’re **YSS**—one of Iowa’s 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, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at [<yss.org>](https://yss.org/).
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an **Equal Opportunity Employer**, we’re 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 via **email** - straight from our Paycom system address: **[email hidden]**. 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 **[email hidden]** to your list of safe senders. We may also send you **texts** if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [[email hidden]](http://[email hidden])

**Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...**

• **Apply** – Submit your application at <yss.org/ysscareers>
• **Assessment** – We review your skills and experience
• **Interview** – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• **References** – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• **Screening** – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• **Offer** – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom