Recovery Advocate (56164)

Job DetailsJob Location: Ember Recovery Campus - Cambridge, IA 50046Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $20.50 HourlyTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: AnyJob Category: Direct Care - Residential Addiction TreatmentAt YSS, we know that recovery continues beyond treatment. As a Recovery Advocate on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge, you'll walk alongside youth throughout their recovery journey, helping them build the skills, confidence, and support system they need to thrive.

You'll serve as a trusted mentor, advocate, and coordinator, helping participants navigate daily life, achieve personal goals, connect with community resources, and prepare for life beyond residential treatment. From welcoming new participants on their first day to checking in months after discharge, you'll play a vital role in helping each young person build a foundation for lasting recovery.

As a Recovery Advocate, you'll be one of the most consistent and influential people in a participant's recovery journey. You'll help youth build life skills, navigate challenges, access resources, and prepare for life beyond treatment—all while creating a safe, supportive environment where lasting change can happen.

What You'll Do...

Support Daily Success


Build supportive, therapeutic relationships with youth while providing encouragement, structure, and accountability.
Create a safe, welcoming, and positive living environment where participants can grow and succeed.
Help participants develop independent living skills, healthy routines, and personal responsibility.
Ensure participants' basic needs are met, including hygiene, clothing, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Administer medications and accurately document care as required.
Plan meaningful activities, celebrations, and community-building events that create a sense of belonging.


Advocate for Growth


Complete assessments to identify education, employment, life skills, and support needs.
Connect participants with community resources, supports, and opportunities that promote long-term success.
Provide ongoing case management while encouraging youth to take ownership of their recovery goals.
Collaborate with therapists, families, schools, and community partners to coordinate services and remove barriers.
Supervise mentors and 12-Step contacts to strengthen each participant's recovery network.


Guide the Journey


Welcome new participants by preparing living spaces, completing orientations, and helping them feel safe and supported from day one.
Complete admission responsibilities, including inventories, searches, documentation, and crisis prevention planning.
Develop individualized transition plans with participants, families, therapists, and schools to support a successful return home.
Complete discharge planning and documentation while ensuring participants leave with the resources they need.
Stay connected after discharge through follow-up contacts that provide encouragement, accountability, and continued support.


Work as One Team


Partner with residential leadership and the treatment team to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
Share timely updates on participant progress, concerns, and significant changes.
Participate in an on-call rotation to support crisis response and participant safety.Build trusting relationships that help youth develop confidence, independence, and self-sufficiency.


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

Who You Are...

You're a compassionate mentor, skilled advocate, and steady source of support. You believe every young person deserves someone in their corner and enjoy helping youth build the confidence, life skills, and connections they need to create a brighter future.

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:


Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.
Two years of experience in human services, behavioral health, youth services, or a related field.
A minimum of two years of continuous sobriety.
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:


Builds trust and meaningful relationships.
Strong advocacy and case management skills.
Calm under pressure with sound problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communicator and collaborative team player.
Organized with strong time management and follow-through.
Experience working with youth and families.
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Comfortable with EMRs and accurate documentation.
Passion for helping youth build healthy, independent futures.
Committed to continuous learning and growth as on-going continued education will be required.


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: 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