IHYC Street Outreach Advocate (53591)

YSS•Woodward, IA

16d•$17 - $22

About The Position

YSS is looking for a motivated, detail oriented, approachable Street Outreach Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team! You will supervise, provide support, and establish rapport with young adults 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless and/or recently housed. As an Advocate, you will ensure the safety and well-being of participants, while assisting them in meeting their basic needs and working towards stability. Participant interactions may be in the YOC, community-based settings, emergency shelters, or schools. Interactions may also be in outdoor locations where young people may be, including on the streets of Des Moines, camping areas, abandoned houses, near railroad tracks, and other areas as identified. The goal is to ensure all basic needs of the participants are met, and that they are provided with a safe, welcoming environment in which to work towards stability. Additional responsibilities include: Supervise, support, and build positive rapport with program participants while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Deliver programming to help participants meet basic needs—such as food, transportation, clothing, and hygiene—by: Increasing awareness of community resources and available services. Assisting participants in accessing those resources and making appropriate referrals to shelter, healthcare, and victim services. Strengthening positive connections with peers, adults, and the community. Facilitating group sessions focused on crisis intervention, de-escalation, and basic life skills. Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint. Represent YSS in the community and share information about the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and youth homelessness as needed. This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
OR
Three (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.
Be at least 21 years old
Hold a valid state-issued driver’s license
Maintain a clean driving record
Carry insurance that meets YSS coverage standards

Nice To Haves

Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of youth facing homelessness or housing instability, applying trauma-informed care and effective intervention strategies.
Possesses strong knowledge of the Des Moines community and the ability to connect young people with appropriate resources and supports.
Communicates with clarity and empathy—skilled in active listening, observation, speaking, and writing to effectively engage youth, colleagues, and community partners.
Be mission-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Approach their work with humility, respect, and sensitivity to diverse identities and lived experiences.
Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

Responsibilities

Supervise, support, and build positive rapport with program participants while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Deliver programming to help participants meet basic needs—such as food, transportation, clothing, and hygiene—by: Increasing awareness of community resources and available services.
Assisting participants in accessing those resources and making appropriate referrals to shelter, healthcare, and victim services.
Strengthening positive connections with peers, adults, and the community.
Facilitating group sessions focused on crisis intervention, de-escalation, and basic life skills.
Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
Represent YSS in the community and share information about the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and youth homelessness as needed.