YTDM Facilitator - PT (56056)

## Where Youth Take the Lead.

**YSS** is looking for a **Youth Transition Decision-Making (YTDM) Facilitator** to join our Family Life Center team in Ames. In this role, you'll help youth involved in foster care or court-appointed placement build confidence, strengthen their support network, and make informed decisions about what's next. You'll coordinate and facilitate youth-led meetings that bring together family members, professionals, and other trusted adults to create a plan for a successful transition into adulthood.

From the first referral to the final follow-up, you'll guide the process with compassion, organization, and a commitment to ensuring every young person's voice is heard.

**This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds!** You'll split your time between **working in office AND traveling throughout Central Iowa**. Travel occurs within the following counties: Green, Guthrie, Story, Boone, Marshall, Tama, Jasper, and Poweshiek. This position offers up to **20 hours per week**, with actual hours varying based on referral volume and program needs.

**What You'll Do...**

**Empower Youth**

• Build trusting relationships that help youth feel confident, prepared, and ready to lead their YTDM meetings.
• Coach youth before, during, and after meetings so their goals, strengths, and voice remain at the center of every conversation.
• Provide basic assessments and case management to support each youth's transition planning.
• Help ensure each youth's immediate safety and basic needs are addressed whenever possible.

**Coordinate the Process**

• Manage referrals and guide each youth through the YTDM process from start to finish.
• Gather information from child welfare staff and other partners to prepare for successful meetings.
• Schedule meetings, coordinate logistics, and invite family members, professionals, and other supportive adults.
• Prepare meeting materials and ensure everyone has what they need for a productive discussion.

**Facilitate Meaningful Conversations**

• Lead engaging, youth-centered meetings where every participant feels welcomed, respected, and heard.
• Encourage collaboration while helping the team create practical, youth-driven plans for the future.
• Distribute and collect post-meeting surveys to support continuous program improvement.

**Collaborate & Stay Connected**

• Build strong partnerships with schools, employers, therapists, child welfare staff, and other community supports.
• Maintain regular communication with partners to help youth stay connected to services and resources.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

**Keep Things Running Smoothly**

• Maintain accurate documentation, meeting notes, and reports within required timelines.
• Ensure all services comply with YTDM contract requirements, policies, and best practices.
• Continue learning and applying the principles of youth engagement, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care.
• Transport youth to meetings or program activities as needed.

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

**Who You Are...**

You're a **natural encourager** who believes young people deserve a seat at the table when **decisions about their future** are made. You know how to bring people together, build trust, and **create a space where youth feel confiden**t, supported, and empowered to lead the conversation.

**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.

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Program
• Personal Wellness Programs
• Pet Insurance Discounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Retirement Savings Opportunities
• Ongoing Training and Professional Development

## 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:**

• Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Case Management, Nursing, or a related field **OR** an equivalent combination of education and relevant human services experience.
• You believe every young person deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered.
• You’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
• Be at least 21
• Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

**Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:**

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Case Management, Nursing, or a related field.
• You've worked with youth or young adults navigating foster care, juvenile justice, or other life transitions.
• You've helped people navigate services, build life skills, or reach personal goals.
• You know how to build trust, earn respect, and connect with young people.
• You're an organized human who can juggle calendars, case notes, and conversations without dropping the ball.
• You communicate with confidence, kindness, and authenticity—whether you're talking with youth, families, or community partners.
• You can work independently, but you also know that the best outcomes come from teamwork.
• You value accuracy and can keep documentation clear, organized, and on time.
• You've facilitated meetings, groups, or conversations where everyone had a seat at the table.
• You're a natural connector who knows your community—or loves discovering resources that can make a difference.
• You're commited to trauma-informed, youth-centered practices.

**The IDEAL Candidate**

• 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