MPACT Community Advocate Intern (56006)

Job DetailsJob Location: YSS of Marshall County - Marshalltown, IA 50158Position Type: InternshipEducation Level: High School/GEDTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: AnyJob Category: InternshipsYSS is looking for an MPACT Community Advocate Intern!. In this role, you'll assist experienced Community Advocates in partnership with the Marshalltown Police Department, responding to non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls. You'll help support individuals experiencing a crisis by fostering a safe, respectful environment, building rapport, assisting with crisis intervention, and connecting participants with community resources that promote long-term stability.

Along the way, you'll gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed care, risk assessment, de-escalation, community collaboration, and behavioral health response while learning how multidisciplinary teams work together to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and criminal justice involvement.

We offer flexible scheduling, a casual dress code, fun coworkers, and we can generally accommodate school credit requirements. As a YSS intern, you will gain resume-building experience, extend your professional network, and prepare yourself for the next step in your education/ career; maybe even a full-time role at YSS!

 Learning Outcomes - By the end of this internship, you will:


Apply trauma-informed, participant-centered approaches in behavioral health crisis response.
Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and on-scene risk assessments.
Connect individuals with appropriate community resources and support services.
Collaborate effectively with law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and community partners.
Complete accurate, ethical, and HIPAA-compliant documentation.
Strengthen professional communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in real-world settings.


Job Duties - Responsibilities for this internship include:


Assisting Community Advocates in responding safely to non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls.
Supporting crisis intervention through trauma-informed de-escalation and participant engagement.
Helping connect participants with appropriate community resources and referral services.
Completing accurate, timely, and HIPAA-compliant documentation under supervision.
Collaborating and communicating effectively with team members and community partners, including the Marshalltown Police Department, as appropriate.
Adhering to the ACA Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements, and YSS policies and procedures.
Participating in team meetings, training, and supervision to build professional knowledge and skills.
Performing other internship-related duties as assigned.


Who You Are

You're ready to turn what you've learned in the classroom into meaningful, hands-on experience. You're compassionate, dependable, and interested in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. You enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, are open to feedback, and are eager to learn from experienced professionals while making a positive impact in your community.

Schedule / Time Commitment


Schedule is flexible to meet interns needs. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure the number of hours worked meets their academic requirements.
At least 15-20 hours must be completed each week, with at least two during the 8:00 am-4:00 pm shift.
Available shifts are Monday - Friday: 

Morning 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Day 11:00 am-7:00 pm; Overnight: 6:00 pm-2:00 am
 



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:


Must be at least 18 years of age .
 Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field. 
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and professional ethical standards.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in challenging situations. 


Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:


Interest in collaborative community response models involving behavioral health and public safety. 
Completion of coursework in crisis intervention, mental health, substance use, counseling, or human behavior.
Previous volunteer or work experience in behavioral health, social services, healthcare, education, or community outreach. 
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
Willingness to learn and apply trauma-informed, participant-centered practices. 
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.


The IDEAL Candidate


Reliable, steady, and able to follow through independently
Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.


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: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. 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 systemmessage@paycomonline.com 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 yss@yss.org

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