Residential Therapist

YSS; Cambridge (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)/403(b) options

Paid time off

Job summary

YSS is seeking a licensed Residential Therapist to support adolescents and young adults in recovery. You will provide individual, family, and group therapy, participate in treatment planning, and coordinate with families, schools, and community partners to promote durable recovery outcomes.

You will work within a trauma-informed framework, building safe spaces where youth feel heard and empowered to pursue goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or psychology.
• Licensed to practice in Iowa (LISW/LMFT/LMHC/LMSW) or temporary license with intent to obtain independent licensure.

Responsibilities

• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients and families.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop accurate clinical diagnoses.
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans with measurable goals.
• Provide evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy services.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to coordinate care.
• Advocate for clients and connect them with needed resources and services.
• Respond to crises with professionalism and sound clinical judgment.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Observational skills

Listening skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

English fluency

Education

Master’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Basic database use

Job description

At YSS, we believe healing happens through connection, trust, and compassionate care. We're looking for a licensed Residential Therapist to join our team and help adolescents and young adults build the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to thrive in recovery and successfully transition back into their homes and communities.In this role, you'll provide individual, family, and group therapy while partnering with clients to address substance use, mental health, and behavioral challenges. You'll play a key role in creating personalized treatment plans, supporting progress, and helping clients navigate their recovery journey.What You'll Do...Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients and their families.Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop accurate clinical diagnoses.Create and implement individualized treatment plans with measurable goals.Provide evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy services.Monitor client progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed.Collaborate with families, treatment teams, schools, and community partners to coordinate care.Advocate for clients and connect them with needed resources and services.Respond to crises with professionalism, sound clinical judgment, and appropriate interventions.Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.Meet established service delivery expectations and productivity standards.Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain clinical excellence.Uphold ethical standards, licensing requirements, and YSS policies and procedures.This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.Who You Are...You understand that healing happens through connection, trust, and consistency. Using a trauma-informed approach, you create safe spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to work toward their goals..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:Master’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, marriage, and family therapy, or psychology.A license (LISW, LMFT, LMHC, LMSW) to practice in the State of Iowa, or a temporary license with the intent to seek independent licensure.Excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills and fluency in English.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:Knowledge and training in substance use disorders, adolescents, and families.Certification by the Iowa Board of Substance Abuse as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).Two years of experience performing similar or related duties.Proficient with the majority of Microsoft Office applications and basic database use.History of working with youth and families.Apositive, team-based approach to treatment and working with clients.A demonstrated ability to engage youth and establish rapport in creative ways.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