IHYC Street Outreach Advocate

YSS is looking for a motivated, detail oriented, approachable YSS is looking for a compassionate, adaptable, and relationship-driven Street Outreach Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team. In this role, you'll connect with young adults ages 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or recently housed. By building trust, meeting immediate needs, and connecting youth to critical resources, you'll help create pathways toward safety, stability, and independence..Whether

you're providing support at the YOC, in a school, at a shelter, or through street outreach across the Des Moines community, you'll help youth meet their immediate needs, connect with life-changing resources, and take meaningful steps toward a more stable future.

What You'll Do...Build trusting relationships with participants while fostering a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.

Conduct street outreach and engage youth where they are, connecting them to support and services.

Help participants meet basic needs by coordinating access to food, clothing, hygiene products, transportation, and other essential resources.

Connect youth with housing, healthcare, victim services, employment, education, and other community resources through referrals and advocacy.

Facilitate individual and group programming focused on life skills, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and healthy decision-making.

Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in Service Point.

Promote positive connections with peers, supportive adults, and community partners to strengthen each participant's support network.

Represent YSS in the community by educating partners and stakeholders about youth homelessness and the services available through Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.

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

Who You Are...You believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—no matter their circumstances. You’re compassionate, adaptable, and able to build trust with youth from all walks of life. You meet people where they are, remain calm in challenging situations, and are passionate about helping young adults find stability, connection, and hope..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

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:

A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.

ORThree (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at-risk youth.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

Understanding of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability and the ability to provide trauma-informed support.

Knowledge of the Des Moines community and available resources for youth.

Strong communication skills, including active listening, verbal communication, and written documentation.

Calm, patient, and professional…