Residential Recovery Intern — Youth Support & Growth

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Ember Recovery Campus - Cambridge, IA 50046

Position Type: Internship

Education Level: High School/GED

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Internships

Come join our Ember team as a Residential Recovery Intern!

At YSSour Residential Recovery Interns have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting youth as they navigate their recovery journey. Working alongside a dedicated team of professionals, you’ll learn what it takes to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop healthy skills, and work toward lasting change.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to see residential recovery services in action while learning from experienced staff who are passionate about helping youth and families thrive. You’ll gain valuable experience in youth engagement, recovery support, relationship‑building, and the day‑to‑day operations of a residential treatment setting.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain firsthand experience working in a residential addiction treatment environment.
• Develop skills in youth engagement, communication, and professional relationship‑building.
• Learn about recovery support, trauma‑informed care, and strengths‑based approaches.
• Practice responding to challenges with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Understand the role of structure, consistency, and connection in helping youth succeed.
• Explore career opportunities in behavioral health, social work, counseling, and related fields.

Job Duties

• Shadow residential recovery staff and learn about addiction treatment, recovery support, and daily program operations.
• Build positive relationships with youth through encouragement, support, and role modeling.
• Assist with resident supervision, daily routines, activities, and skill‑building opportunities.
• Participate in recovery‑focused groups and learn strategies for coping skills, conflict resolution, and healthy decision‑making.
• Support a safe, structured, and welcoming residential environment.
• Assist with transportation, meals, school support, and other program needs.
• Complete documentation, administrative tasks, and other responsibilities that support program operations.
• Participate in orientation, professional development, and required trainings, including Mandatory Reporter and CPR/First Aid.
• Meet regularly with a supervisor for guidance, feedback, and reflection.

Who You Are

You're ready to turn what you've learned in the classroom into meaningful, hands‑on experience. You're compassionate, dependable, and interested in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. You enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, are open to feedback, and are eager to learn from experienced professionals while making a positive impact in your community.

Schedule / Time Commitment

Schedule is flexible to meet interns needs. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure the number of hours worked meets their academic requirements.

• At least 4hours must be completed each week, between the hours of 7:00 am - 10:30 pm

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

• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Currently pursuing a bachelors degree.
• Possesses general understanding of the issues facing at‑risk youth and their families.
• Must have access to reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES

• All majors are accepted. The following majors are preferred: Criminal Justice, Social Work, Human Services and related fields.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and professional ethical standards.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in challenging situations.
• Possesses excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills.
• Reliable, steady, and able to follow through independently
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Proficient with the majority of Microsoft Office applications and basic database use.
• Curious and eager to learn.
• Takes initiative, seeks out opportunities for learning, and effectively manages one’s own time and work.

TheIDEALCandidate

• 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]

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in‑person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom