Recovery Specialist (56165)

## Help youth turn recovery into real life.

Come join **YSS**as a **Recovery Specialist** on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. In this role, you'll be a consistent source of encouragement, structure, and support for youth in residential addiction treatment. Through positive relationships, skill-building, and everyday interactions, you'll help residents build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed in recovery.

Working on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule, you'll create a safe, welcoming home environment while facilitating groups, coaching healthy habits, supporting treatment goals, and helping youth navigate the challenges—and victories—of daily life. While this isn't a therapy role, your guidance and mentorship will have a lasting impact on each resident's recovery journey.

**What You'll 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...**

You're 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 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:**

• 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.
• 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, 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.

**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