Youth Employment Recovery Coordinator (54314)

YSS•Ames, IA

12d•$21

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. 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 navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply. We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org! At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together. YSS is a nicotine-free workplace. Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email [email protected] - we’re happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers. Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience. Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you. References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises. Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed). Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in prevention, career services, or related field.
This role involves travel, including transporting clients.
To meet YSS insurance requirements, you must:
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).

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