Youth Employment Recovery Coordinator (55320)

YSS•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

YSS is looking for a Youth Employment Recovery Coordinator who can juggle program development, community partnerships, and youth support—without dropping the mission. This role blends leadership, creativity, and hands-on work to help youth gain the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. This role is based at YSS Headquarters in Ames, but you’ll regularly hit the road to our Ember Recovery Campus to work directly with our incredible participants and make a real impact. The Coordinator plays a key role in launching, strengthening, and sustaining innovative prevention and youth employment programs across the service area. This position provides leadership and support to prevention staff while partnering closely with Ember staff and local community coalitions to develop, promote, and maintain high-quality programming. These specialized prevention programs center youth as active partners—connecting them with community agencies, local businesses, schools, and government throughout the service area. The Coordinator supports the development and promotion of assigned prevention and youth employment efforts within designated counties, ensuring youth and community members are engaged and supported.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in prevention, career services, or related field.
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

Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, youth development, or related field
Experience working with youth in employment, prevention, or community programs
Program coordination, staff supervision, or partnership management experience
Strong communication and coaching skills—group facilitation and one-on-one mentoring
Case management, goal-setting, and youth engagement expertise
Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects
Committed, empathetic, energetic, and solution-oriented with a sense of humor
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).
Navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability

Responsibilities

Recruit, educate, and support local businesses and agencies in employing youth
Deliver group-based youth employment curriculum and provide one-on-one career and job readiness support
Provide case management and support youth with goal setting and job placement
Coordinate and implement youth employment and prevention programs in alignment with grant goals and agency plans
Supervise and support Prevention Specialists as assigned
Assist Prevention Staff with organizing, coordinating, and reporting youth employment activities
Support youth leadership and engagement, including public speaking, recognition, and board participation
Assist with prevention events and specialized prevention education in schools and at the Ember Recovery Campus
Collect data, maintain records, and complete required reporting
Participate in community coalitions and partner meetings as assigned