Residential Certified Counselor

YSS is seeking an empathetic, knowledgeable, and compassionate Residential Certified Counselor to join us on our Ember Recovery Campus. In this role, you’ll provide therapeutic support to adolescents and their families as they navigate substance use challenges, mental health concerns, and behavioral needs.

As part of a collaborative residential treatment team, you’ll use evidence-based counseling approaches to help youth build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop the tools needed to successfully transition back to their homes and communities. Your work will provide hope, healing, and meaningful support during a critical time in a young person’s life.

What You'll Do...Provide individual, family, and group counseling using a variety of therapeutic approaches to support adolescents and their families.

Facilitate skill-building activities and provide crisis intervention to help youth develop healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.

Collaborate with the residential treatment team to support individualized care plans and successful transitions back into the community.

Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with YSS standards and third-party payer requirements.

Maintain required schedules for counseling sessions, groups, meetings, and administrative responsibilities.

Handle confidential information and documentation with professionalism, care, and discretion.

Uphold ethical standards and professional expectations related to counseling certification and YSS policies.

Build strong partnerships with adolescents, families, coworkers, and community providers through effective communication and collaboration.

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 counselor who believes every young person has the ability to heal, grow, and create a brighter future. You bring clinical knowledge, empathy, and a steady presence to your work with adolescents and families. You’re skilled at building trust, navigating challenging conversations, and helping youth develop the tools they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

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:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field.

Experience may be substituted for degree.

Temporary Certification by the Iowa Board for Substance Abuse as a Certified Alcohol and…