Recovery Advocate (56164)

YSS•Cambridge, IA

8d•$21 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

At YSS, we know that recovery continues beyond treatment. As a Recovery Advocate on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge, you'll walk alongside youth throughout their recovery journey, helping them build the skills, confidence, and support system they need to thrive. You'll serve as a trusted mentor, advocate, and coordinator, helping participants navigate daily life, achieve personal goals, connect with community resources, and prepare for life beyond residential treatment. From welcoming new participants on their first day to checking in months after discharge, you'll play a vital role in helping each young person build a foundation for lasting recovery. As a Recovery Advocate, you'll be one of the most consistent and influential people in a participant's recovery journey. You'll help youth build life skills, navigate challenges, access resources, and prepare for life beyond treatment—all while creating a safe, supportive environment where lasting change can happen.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.
Two years of experience in human services, behavioral health, youth services, or a related field.
A minimum of two years of continuous sobriety.
Be at least 21
Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

Nice To Haves

Builds trust and meaningful relationships.
Strong advocacy and case management skills.
Calm under pressure with sound problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communicator and collaborative team player.
Organized with strong time management and follow-through.
Experience working with youth and families.
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Comfortable with EMRs and accurate documentation.
Passion for helping youth build healthy, independent futures.
Committed to continuous learning and growth as on-going continued education will be required.
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).
Navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability.

Responsibilities

Build supportive, therapeutic relationships with youth while providing encouragement, structure, and accountability.
Create a safe, welcoming, and positive living environment where participants can grow and succeed.
Help participants develop independent living skills, healthy routines, and personal responsibility.
Ensure participants' basic needs are met, including hygiene, clothing, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Administer medications and accurately document care as required.
Plan meaningful activities, celebrations, and community-building events that create a sense of belonging.
Complete assessments to identify education, employment, life skills, and support needs.
Connect participants with community resources, supports, and opportunities that promote long-term success.
Provide ongoing case management while encouraging youth to take ownership of their recovery goals.
Collaborate with therapists, families, schools, and community partners to coordinate services and remove barriers.
Supervise mentors and 12-Step contacts to strengthen each participant's recovery network.
Welcome new participants by preparing living spaces, completing orientations, and helping them feel safe and supported from day one.
Complete admission responsibilities, including inventories, searches, documentation, and crisis prevention planning.
Develop individualized transition plans with participants, families, therapists, and schools to support a successful return home.
Complete discharge planning and documentation while ensuring participants leave with the resources they need.
Stay connected after discharge through follow-up contacts that provide encouragement, accountability, and continued support.
Partner with residential leadership and the treatment team to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
Share timely updates on participant progress, concerns, and significant changes.
Participate in an on-call rotation to support crisis response and participant safety.
Build trusting relationships that help youth develop confidence, independence, and self-sufficiency.