Recovery Specialist

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Retirement plan (403b)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

YSS is seeking a Recovery Specialist for the Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. You’ll build trusting relationships, run life skills groups, and guide youth toward recovery and independence in a supportive home environment.

Expect an on-call rotation, supervision of daily routines, and transport duties as needed. You’ll be part of a dedicated team that emphasizes compassion, structure, and real-world resilience for residents in recovery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in human services, behavioral health, or youth services preferred.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate life skills and recovery-focused groups.
• Coach youth toward treatment goals and independence.
• Create a safe, structured, and welcoming home environment.
• Supervise daily routines and community activities; transport residents as needed.
• Document participant progress and communicate with the treatment team.

Skills

Relationship building

Group facilitation

Coaching

Crisis response

Driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Job description

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.What You'll Do...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.Who You Are...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.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 EnvironmentSupportive leadership team and mission-driven cultureFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environmentEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employeesHealth & Wellness BenefitsComprehensive health insuranceVoluntary dental and vision insuranceLife insurance and long-term disability coverageSupplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) optionsFlu shots and mental health support resourcesPaid membership to the Athletic Club of AmesTime Off & Work-Life BalanceGenerous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)Paid holidays, including a birthday holidayVolunteer time offFinancial & Retirement BenefitsCompetitive salarySupplemental compensation award403(b) retirement savings planProfessional & Career SupportProfessional liability insurance coveragePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employerWe 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: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 21Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving recordCarry insurance that meets YSS standardsPreferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES: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.Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.Strong organization, time management, and follow-through skills.Experience with documentation and maintaining accurate records.Understanding of trauma-informed care and recovery-focused practices.The IDEAL CandidateIs 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).We Celebrate 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 largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: [e-mail]. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add [e-mail] to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [e-mail] Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareersAssessment – We review your skills and experienceInterview – Phone, video, or in-person conversationReferences – We’ll connect with 3+ professional referencesScreening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if requiredOffer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom