Residential Certified Counselor

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

YSS is seeking a Residential Certified Counselor to provide compassionate counseling to adolescents and families on the Ember Recovery Campus. You will deliver individual, family, and group sessions, use evidence-based approaches, and support transitions back to home and community.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, collaborative care planning, and compliant documentation. A CADC is required with a plan to complete full certification within six months, alongside a social work or related

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field is required; experience may substitute for degree.
• Temporary CADC certification by Iowa Board for Substance Abuse is required.
• A full CADC is required within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group counseling to support adolescents and families.
• Facilitate skill-building activities and crisis intervention to promote healthy coping and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to implement individualized care plans and community transitions.
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in line with YSS standards and payer requirements.
• Maintain scheduling for sessions and administrative duties; ensure confidentiality and professionalism.

Skills

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Documentation

Confidentiality

Education

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

Temporary CADC certification (Iowa)

Full CADC certification within 6 months

Tools

None

Job description

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 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: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 Drug Counselor (CADC) is required.A full CADC is required within 6 months.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:Two years of full time experience in the delivery of substance use services to adolescents in a public or private organization.Client focused and able to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with others.Is an active, patient, listener.Uses critical thinking skills to problems solve.Ability to manage resources effectively.The IDEAL CandidateIs dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiativeIs 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