Recovery Specialist

Job Details

Job Location:

Ember Recovery Campus
- Cambridge, IA 50046

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: High School/GED

Salary Range: $18.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

Job Category:
Direct Care
- Residential Addiction Treatment

Come join YSS as a Recovery Specialist on our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. In this role, you'll be a consistent source of encouragement, structure, and support for youth in residential addiction treatment. Through positive relationships, skill-building, and everyday interactions, you'll help residents build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed in recovery.

Working on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule, you'll create a safe, welcoming home environment while facilitating groups, coaching healthy habits, supporting treatment goals, and helping youth navigate the challenges—and victories—of daily life. While this isn't a therapy role, your guidance and mentorship will have a lasting impact on each resident's recovery journey.

• Build supportive relationships that foster trust, growth, and accountability.
• Facilitate engaging life skills and recovery-focused groups.
• Coach youth as they work toward treatment goals and greater independence.
• Create a safe, structured, and welcoming home environment.
• Supervise daily routines, activities, and community living.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized facility.
• Transport residents to appointments, work, school, and community activities.
• Respond calmly to crises and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Supervise volunteers and substitute staff while on duty.
• Document participant progress and communicate with the treatment team.

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

You're part coach, part cheerleader, and part problem-solver. You enjoy building relationships, creating structure, and helping youth discover their strengths as they work toward healthier, more independent futures.

• 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
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

• 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

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.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in human services, behavioral health, youth services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of current, continuous sobriety.
• Flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed.
• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to support youth through challenges with patience, consistency, and compassion.
• You'll be driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
• Be at least 21
• Have a valid driver’s license anda clean driving record
• Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth, families, or individuals in recovery.
• Strong active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and respond calmly in challenging situations.
• A…