Lead Youth Specialist (54945)

YSS•Mason City, IA

22d

About The Position

YSS is looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate, and confident Lead Youth Specialist to join our Emergency Shelter Team! In this role, you’re more than a shift lead—you’re the steady presence that keeps everything moving, even when things get unpredictable. You’ll guide staff, support youth, and help create a safe, structured environment where young people can stabilize, reset, and feel respected. As a Lead, you’ll lead staff through each shift, making real-time decisions that prioritize safety, well-being, and positive outcomes. You’ll balance leadership with hands-on support—mentoring staff, responding to crises, and building meaningful connections with the youth in your care. You’ll help shape each day by creating structure, ensuring basic needs are met, and fostering an environment that is both safe and supportive. You’ll also serve as a key point of connection for clients and their families, helping navigate what can often be stressful and uncertain situations.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in human services or similar field
One year of related experience
Travel, including transporting clients, is required for this position.
For YSS insurance purposes, you must: be 21 years of age, have a valid, state-issued, driver's license, have a clean driving record, and have adequate insurance coverage per YSS policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience directing/monitoring the work of others.
Professional or personal experience with shelter facilities.
Understands the needs of young people experiencing housing instability or crisis.
Ability to communicate, verbally and non-verbally, with excellent observational, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
Ability to collaborate and able to work effectively with others regardless of backgrounds, identities, and status.
Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).

Responsibilities

Lead Youth Specialists each shift, guiding decision-making around client safety, escalations, and off-site activities
Plan and coordinate shifts, delegating supervision, group facilitation, and med management
Mentor and train staff to ensure consistency and confidence in their roles
Act as liaison between floor staff and on-call leadership during crises or emergencies
Provide direct supervision of clients, ensuring their safety, whereabouts, and well-being at all times
Respond to crises with calm, effective intervention
Complete and oversee all documentation, including client logs, intakes, discharges, and incident reports
Facilitate group sessions and recreational activities that promote engagement and growth
Support client basic needs and coordinate or provide medical care as necessary
Receive referral and placement calls and support intake procedures
Maintain knowledge of community resources to assist client needs