Recovery Specialist (56165)

Salary Range $18.00 Hourly

Position Type Full Time

Job Shift Any

Education Level High School/GED

Travel Percentage Up to 25%

Category Direct Care - Residential Addiction Treatment

Help youth turn recovery into real life.

Come join YSS as a Recovery Specialist on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. In this role, you'll be a consistent source of encouragement, structure, and support for youth in residential addiction treatment. Through positive relationships, skill-building, and everyday interactions, you'll help residents build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed in recovery.

Working on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule, you'll create a safe, welcoming home environment while facilitating groups, coaching healthy habits, supporting treatment goals, and helping youth navigate the challenges—and victories—of daily life. While this isn't a therapy role, your guidance and mentorship will have a lasting impact on each resident's recovery journey.

What You'll Do...

• Build supportive relationships that foster trust, growth, and accountability.

• Facilitate engaging life skills and recovery-focused groups.

• Coach youth as they work toward treatment goals and greater independence.

• Create a safe, structured, and welcoming home environment.

• Supervise daily routines, activities, and community living.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized facility.

• Transport residents to appointments, work, school, and community activities.

• Respond calmly to crises and participate in an on-call rotation.

• Supervise volunteers and substitute staff while on duty.

• Document participant progress and communicate with the treatment team.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You're part coach, part cheerleader, and part problem-solver . You enjoy building relationships, creating structure, and helping youth discover their strengths as they work toward healthier, more independent futures.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS , you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture

• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Voluntary dental and vision insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• Flu shots and mental health support resources

• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)

• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday

• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Supplemental compensation award

• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

What We're Looking For...

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit .

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES :

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• One year of experience in human services, behavioral health, youth services, or a related field.

• Minimum of two years of current, continuous sobriety.

• Flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.

• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

• Ability to support youth through challenges with patience, consistency, and compassion.

• You’ll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:

• Be at least 21

• Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

• Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, human services, or a related field.

• Experience working with youth, families, or individuals in recovery.

• Strong active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and respond calmly in challenging situations.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong organization, time management, and follow-through skills.

• Experience with documentation and maintaining accurate records.

• Understanding of trauma-informed care and recovery-focused practices.

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is 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).

We Celebrate 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.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS —one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.

• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.

• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: [email protected] . Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add [email protected] to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [email protected]

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers

• Assessment – We review your skills and experience

• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation

• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references

• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required

• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom