Transition Services Advocate for Rapid Rehousing

YSS; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

YSS in Ames, IA seeks a Rapid Rehousing Youth Advocate to support young adults (18–24) toward housing stability. You will provide trauma‑informed case management, individual housing plans, and community resource navigation from home, in the community, or at the office.

Role includes caseload management (12–18 participants), crisis intervention, and collaboration with landlords and partners to secure lasting housing solutions. Travel is required, with a focus on independence and life skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field is required.
• At least two years of experience working with youth, young adults, or homelessness.
• Travel is required for this position; valid driver’s license and clean record may be needed.

Responsibilities

• Help participants find and maintain housing with individualized housing plans.
• Assess needs, create self-sufficiency plans, and assist with resources.
• Build relationships with landlords, provide advocacy and mediation.
• Conduct home visits and support housing stability.
• Provide budgeting, employment, education, and benefits guidance.
• Coordinate with services like legal aid, healthcare, and education.

Skills

Trauma-Informed Care

Case Management

Housing Navigation

Advocacy

Crisis Intervention

Community Resources

HMIS/ServicePoint Knowledge

Tenant/Landlord Relations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field

Tools

HMIS

ServicePoint

RH Y HUD programs

Job description

YSS is seeking a compassionate, reliable, and driven Rapid Rehousing Youth Advocate to help young adults move from homelessness toward stability, independence, and a place they can call home.Working with young adults ages 18–24, you’ll provide individualized, trauma-informed support to help participants secure and maintain housing, build life skills, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals. You’ll meet young people where they are—at home, in the community, or at the office—building the trust and relationships that make lasting change possible.You’ll manage a caseload of approximately 12–18 participants, providing housing stabilization, advocacy, crisis intervention, resource coordination, and voluntary case management. You’ll also connect participants with community resources and collaborate with landlords and community partners to support successful, sustainable housing.This isn’t just about finding someone an apartment. It’s about helping young people build the stability, skills, and confidence to create a future of their own.What You'll Do...Help participants find and keep housingAssess needs and barriers, create individualized housing and self-sufficiency plans, and help participants find, secure, and maintain housing.Build positive relationships with landlords, provide advocacy and mediation, and address housing concerns before they become bigger problems.Conduct regular home visits and apartment checks to support housing stability.Build skills and independenceHelp participants set goals, track progress, and build the skills needed for independent living.Provide support with budgeting, banking, credit, transportation, household responsibilities, and navigating community resources.Connect participants with services such as legal aid, education, employment, healthcare, and other community supports.Provide consistent, compassionate supportMeet regularly with participants to provide encouragement, problem-solving, crisis support, and advocacy.Build trusting, respectful relationships while helping young people recognize their strengths and make progress toward their goals.Help participants connect with school, employment, volunteer, and social opportunities.Communicate and collaborateWork closely with participants, landlords, YSS teams, referral sources, and community partners to coordinate support and resolve concerns.Participate in team meetings, program activities, and community events.Keep things on trackComplete required assessments, case notes, HMIS/HUD documentation, housing paperwork, and program data accurately and on time.Follow program policies and requirements while maintaining participant confidentiality.This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.Who You Are...You’re compassionate, dependable, and comfortable meeting young people where they are—literally and figuratively. You know how to build trust, navigate challenges, and balance empathy with accountability while helping young adults build the skills, confidence, and stability to thrive independently..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 resourcesTime 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, Human Services or related field.At least two years of experience working with youth, young adults, or individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and appropriate documentation.Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:be 21 years of age,have a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, andhave a clean driving record.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:Experience in rapid rehousing, transitional living, or supportive housing.Experience with case management, housing navigation, advocacy, or supportive services.Knowledge of housing systems, tenant/landlord responsibilities, and community resources.Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Positive Youth Development, and crisis intervention.Experience supporting independent living skills, budgeting, employment, education, or public benefits.Familiarity with HMIS, ServicePoint, RHY, HUD programs, or similar systems.Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and relationship-building skills.Ability to work independently while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.The IDEAL CandidateIs 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. 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