Residential Certified Counselor (55925)

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

YSS in Cambridge, IA seeks a compassionate counselor to provide individual, family, and group counseling for adolescents and their families. You will support crisis intervention, skill-building activities, and collaboration with a residential treatment team to implement individualized care plans and smooth community transitions.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, with CADC certification (temporary required, full CADC within 6 months).

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group counseling to support adolescents and their families.
• Facilitate skill-building activities and crisis intervention to develop coping and emotion regulation skills.
• Collaborate with residential treatment team to support individualized care plans and transitions back to the community.
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation per YSS standards and payer requirements.
• Maintain schedules for counseling sessions, groups, meetings, and administrative responsibilities.
• Handle confidential information professionally and discretely.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional expectations related to counseling certification and YSS policies.
• Build partnerships with adolescents, families, coworkers, and community providers.

Education

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

Temporary CADC certification by the Iowa Board for Substance Abuse

Full CADC certification within 6 months

Job description

Job Details: Location: Ember Recovery Campus - Cambridge, IA 50046. Position Type: Full Time. Education Level: 4 Year Degree. Salary Range: $24.00 Hourly. Travel Percentage: Minimal. Shift: Day. Category: Direct Care - Residential Addiction Treatment.

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.

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

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

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.

IDEAL Candidate

• Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative.
• 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: You’ve 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. 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.