Maternity Group Home, Street Outreach Advocate, Maternity Group Home (54179 at YSS

Des Moines, Iowa, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Mar, 26

Salary

17.28

Posted On

25 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Empathy, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Support, Active Listening, Relationship Building, Community Resources, Documentation, Group Facilitation, Communication, Patience, Cultural Awareness, Flexibility, Supportive Interventions, Life Skills Development, Youth Advocacy, Problem Solving

Industry

Individual and Family Services

Description

Job Details Job Location: Des Moines, IA 50316 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Salary Range: $17.28 Hourly Travel Percentage: Up to 50% Job Shift: Any Job Category: Direct Care - Supportive Housing YSS is looking for a Street Outreach / Maternity Group Home Advocate–someone who leads with empathy and shows up with consistency. You'll show up where it matters most, supporting young people ages 16–21 who are navigating housing instability or the risk of homelessness, offering steady, compassionate support rooted in trust and respect. This role meets youth where they are—both physically and emotionally—building meaningful relationships in community spaces, emergency shelters, schools, and other settings where young people feel most comfortable. Serving primarily as a Street Outreach Youth Advocate (approximately 75% of the role), you’ll provide a consistent, trauma-informed presence focused on listening first, honoring each young person’s experiences, and empowering them to make choices that support their safety and well-being. You’ll help connect youth to resources and opportunities that promote stability, while recognizing that progress often happens one small step at a time. The remaining 25% of this role supports young parents in our Maternity Group Home, offering encouragement, guidance, and practical support as they build confidence, strengthen life skills, and work toward independence for themselves and their children. At its heart, this role is about relationship-building, patience, and believing in the resilience of young people—even on the days when they’re still figuring things out. Responsibilities include: Build trusting, respectful relationships with young people while creating a safe, welcoming environment where they feel seen, supported, and valued. Support youth in meeting their basic needs by helping them access essential resources—such as safe shelter, food, transportation, clothing, hygiene supplies, health care, and community services. This includes offering calm, compassionate crisis support, helping de-escalate difficult moments, and connecting youth to victim services and other supports when needed. Create and lead programming that helps young people learn about available resources, strengthen life skills, and build meaningful connections with peers and supportive adults in the community. Maintain a strong working knowledge of Des Moines–area resources and use that knowledge to thoughtfully connect youth to services that best meet their individual needs. Welcome new participants by completing intakes with care and respect, ensuring youth understand available supports and feel comfortable accessing services. Complete timely, accurate documentation in ServicePoint to reflect services provided and support continuity of care. Facilitate group sessions as needed, including topics focused on basic living skills and personal growth. Share information about Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and youth homelessness in the community to help increase awareness and understanding. Use supportive, trauma-informed interventions when working with youth who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, always centering dignity, safety, and choice. This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time. What We Provide... We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits: Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture. Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment. Competitive salary Comprehensive benefits. Health insurance Voluntary dental insurance Voluntary vision insurance Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance Professional liability insurance coverage Flexible spending account/health savings account Supplemental compensation award Generous Paid Time off and Leave Four weeks of paid time off (PTO) Volunteer time off Paid holiday leave Birthday holiday Wellness Program Opportunities Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames Employee Assistance Program for all employees Flu shots Mental health support YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. 403(b) retirement offerings What We Ask... 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. MUST HAVES - to qualify, you need: 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. This role involves travel, including transporting clients. To meet YSS insurance requirements, you must: Be at least 21 years old Hold a valid state-issued driver’s license Maintain a clean driving record Carry insurance that meets YSS coverage standards SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of youth facing homelessness or housing instability, applying trauma-informed care and effective intervention strategies. Possesses strong knowledge of the Des Moines community. Able to connect young people with appropriate resources and supports. Communicates with clarity and empathy—skilled in active listening, observation, speaking, and writing. Can effectively engage and communicate with participants, the public, colleagues, and other staff members. The IDEAL candidate will: Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact. Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction. Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities). Who You Are... You’re a good listener, slow to judge, and comfortable meeting young people exactly where they are—without needing to fix everything right away. You believe trust is built over time, and you understand that progress doesn’t always move in straight lines. You’re patient, grounded, and able to stay calm in unpredictable situations. You value relationship-based, trauma-informed support and respect each young person’s autonomy, voice, and lived experience. You’re comfortable working independently in the community while also staying connected to a supportive team. You bring compassion, flexibility, and a belief in second chances (and third ones, too). Whether you’re connecting with youth on the street or supporting young parents in the Maternity Group Home, you approach the work with humility, resilience, and a steady belief in young people’s capacity to grow and move forward. We celebrate the strength in your story. Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply. Who We Are... We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org! At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together. YSS is a nicotine-free workplace. Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers. Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience. Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you. References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises. Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed). Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.

Responsibilities

The role involves building trusting relationships with young people and providing support to help them access essential resources. Additionally, it includes facilitating group sessions and maintaining documentation of services provided.