Residential Recovery Intern (57082)

YSS • Cambridge, IA

2d

About The Position

The Residential Recovery Intern gains hands-on experience supporting youth in a residential addiction treatment setting. Working alongside experienced staff, the intern learns how to help create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop healthy skills, and work toward lasting change. The internship offers experience in youth engagement, recovery support, relationship-building, and the daily operations of residential treatment.

Interns shadow residential recovery staff, build positive relationships with youth, assist with supervision and daily program activities, and participate in recovery-focused groups. They also support program needs such as transportation, meals, and school support; complete documentation and administrative tasks; attend required orientation, professional development, and training; and meet regularly with a supervisor for guidance and reflection.

The schedule is flexible to meet interns’ needs. Interns are responsible for completing the number of hours required by their academic program and must work at least four hours per week between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Possesses a general understanding of issues facing at-risk youth and their families.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Must complete at least four hours of work each week, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Must ensure the number of hours worked meets their academic requirements.
• Embrace YSS core values: Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Nice To Haves

• All majors are accepted; preferred majors include Criminal Justice, Social Work, Human Services, and related fields.
• Excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency with most Microsoft Office applications and basic database use.
• Takes initiative, seeks learning opportunities, and effectively manages their own time and work.
• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic; curious and eager to learn.
• Speaks one or more languages in addition to English.
• Lived experience navigating addiction recovery, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability.

Responsibilities

• Shadow residential recovery staff and learn about addiction treatment, recovery support, and daily program operations.
• Build positive relationships with youth through encouragement, support, and role modeling.
• Assist with resident supervision, daily routines, activities, and skill-building opportunities.
• Participate in recovery-focused groups and learn strategies for coping skills, conflict resolution, and healthy decision-making.
• Support a safe, structured, and welcoming residential environment.
• Assist with transportation, meals, school support, and other program needs.
• Complete documentation, administrative tasks, and other responsibilities that support program operations.
• Participate in orientation, professional development, and required trainings, including Mandatory Reporter and CPR/First Aid.
• Meet regularly with a supervisor for guidance, feedback, and reflection.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed