YOC Youth Advocate

Job Details

Job Location:

Youth Opportunity Center
- Des Moines, IA 50309

Position Type:
Full Time Salary Range: $18.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage :
Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day Job Category:
Direct Care
- Supportive HousingYSS is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and approachable Youth Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team!

• Conduct intakes, orient new participants, and connect youth with YOC services and resources.
• Build trusting relationships while providing supervision, encouragement, advocacy, and support.
• Help participants meet basic needs and maintain a safe, respectful, and stable environment.
• Support daily routines and teach practical independent living skills, including household management, cooking, shopping, utilities, and maintaining housing.
• Provide at least twice-monthly home visits with Rapid Rehousing participants to promote housing stability, problem-solving, community connection, and self-sufficiency.
• Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, waitlists, and program data in Service Point.
• Monitor program supplies, prepare rooms for new participants, and communicate vacancies and participant needs with program partners.
• Provide program information to participants, referral sources, and community partners.
• Work at least one weekend shift each week.

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

You’re approachable, dependable, and comfortable building genuine relationships with young adults. You stay calm, organized, and respectful in challenging situations and bring a practical, encouraging approach to helping others build stability and independence.

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

• 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

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

• 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.

• A High School diploma or higher.
• Two (2) or more years of full-time experience in the human services field. Experience may include:
  • First Aid and CPR certification,
  • Crisis intervention,
  • Child and adolescent development,
  • Individual or group counseling,
  • Motivational interviewing,
  • Trauma informed care and harm reduction.
• Knowledge of the needs of youth who are unhoused or precariously housed and the ability to implement intervention strategies.
• Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
  • be 21 years of age,
  • have a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, and
  • have aclean driving record.

• Bachelors degree in a human services field can substitute for years of experience.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with others regardless of backgrounds, identities, and goals.
• Able to convey information effectively, regardless of setting or audience; able to initiate conversation; experience with public speaking.

• 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).

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