IHYC Street Outreach Advocate

Street Outreach Advocate

Job Location:

Youth Opportunity Center - Des Moines, IA 50309
Position Type:
Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $17.28 - $20.00 hourly
Travel:
Up to 50%

Job Shift: Any
Job Category:
Direct Care - Supportive Housing

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
• OR three (3) years of experience working directly with homeless or at‑risk youth.

• 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 when responding to challenging situations.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth, teammates, and community partners.

• Is dependable, self‑motivated, and great at taking initiative.
• 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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