Recovery Specialist (56165)

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

403(b) retirement savings plan

Generous PTO

Job summary

YSS in Cambridge, IA is seeking a Recovery Specialist for the Ember Recovery Campus. You will support youth in residential addiction treatment with guidance, structure, and mentorship in daily life and recovery goals.

The role emphasizes building relationships, facilitating life skills groups, and ensuring a safe, welcoming home environment on a rotating on-duty/off-duty schedule. You’ll drive a YSS vehicle and contribute to a compassionate, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience in human services or related field.
• Minimum two years of current sobriety.
• On-call rotation availability and shift coverage as needed.
• Ability to build positive relationships with youth.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive relationships that foster trust and accountability.
• Facilitate life skills and recovery-focused groups.
• Coach youth toward treatment goals and independence.
• Create a safe, structured home environment.
• Supervise routines, activities, and community living.
• Transport residents to appointments and activities.
• Respond calmly to crises and participate in on-call rotation.
• Document progress and communicate with the treatment team.

Skills

Experience in human services

Sobriety requirement

Relationship building

On-call flexibility

Patience and compassion

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

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.

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

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

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.

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 21
• Have a valid driver’s license anda clean driving record
• Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

Preferred 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 Candidate

• 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).

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 viaemail- straight from our Paycom system address: [e-mail] 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]