YSS is seeking a trustworthy, courageous, grounded MPACT Community Advocate to join our dedicated team in Marshalltown! As an Advocate, you’ll be a calm, steady presence for individuals in crisis—someone who listens, supports, and helps people find their footing again. You’ll create a safe, respectful space while providing on-site, participant-centered services such as skill-building and crisis intervention. Your goal: to strengthen connections between participants, their families, schools, and the community—and to help resolve concerns that may have brought law enforcement into the picture. This role is a key link between YSS, law enforcement, and local support networks. You’ll work closely with therapists, family advocates, coordinators, and other service providers to ensure each participant gets the care and guidance they need. You’ll also provide phone support during your shift or on-call rotation to ensure help is always within reach. By building trust and offering alternatives to crisis escalation, you’ll play a vital role in reducing arrests and potential use of force, while promoting safety and compassion throughout the community. As part of your daily work, you can expect to: Crisis Response Respond to law enforcement (LE) calls within one hour—by phone, virtually, or in person, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Maintain composure under pressure. Provide immediate, participant-centered support, ensuring safety, de-escalation, and connection to critical resources such as shelter, food, healthcare, and victim services. Participant Advocacy Build rapport with individuals in crisis, offering respectful, trauma-informed care. Assist participants in accessing community resources and services to meet basic and ongoing needs. Provide limited transportation when safe and appropriate. Collaboration Work closely with law enforcement, school resource officers, counselors, and community partners to support participants and coordinate services. Maintain relationships with local agencies, including the county attorney’s office and other referral networks. Uphold YSS values of respect, safety, and cooperation. Documentation & Communication Accurately document services, observations, and participant progress. Model positive, effective, communication with coworkers, participants, families, and LE partners while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Training & Professional Development Participate in ongoing YSS and LE trainings on crisis intervention, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and community systems. Meet regularly with a licensed mental health practitioner for supervision and consultation. Stay current on best practices and maintain understanding of the mental health system, criminal justice processes, and community resources. This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time. We celebrate the strength in your story. Have you walked the path of recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Are you driven to transform your experience into a source of strength and hope for others? If so, YSS wants to hear from you. We believe your lived experience brings a compassionate and redemptive perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and offering guidance as a role model and mentor, you have the power to make a meaningful impact at YSS. For those in recovery, we typically ask for two years of sobriety to ensure stability and leadership readiness, though we may consider candidates with one year on a case-by-case basis. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.