Lead YOC Youth Advocate (56288)

Job DetailsJob Location: Youth Opportunity Center - Des Moines, IA 50309Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: MinimalJob Shift: DayJob Category: Direct Care - Supportive HousingThe Lead Advocate provides hands-on support and leadership within the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), helping create a safe, welcoming, and stable environment for young adults ages 16–24 experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning into housing. This role spends approximately 75% of its time supporting YOC operations and participants and 25% providing community-based support through the Rapid Rehousing program. As a key member of the YOC team, the Lead Advocate serves as a day-to-day resource and leader for Peer Advocates, helping coordinate schedules, support staff development, reinforce program expectations, and ensure YOC services operate smoothly and consistently. The Lead Advocate also provides direct participant support, including crisis intervention, basic needs assistance, independent living skills, and connections to community resources. Through both hands-on advocacy and staff leadership, this role helps ensure young adults have the support, stability, and practical tools they need to move toward housing stability, self-sufficiency, and a stronger future. What You'll Do... Support Youth & Deliver Programs Conduct intakes, orient new participants to YOC services, and provide information about available programs and resources. Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries and consistently reinforcing program expectations. Monitor participant activities and provide support with daily routines, including chores, laundry, personal hygiene, and other independent living skills. Help youth meet immediate basic needs such as food, clothing, bedding, hygiene supplies, laundry, and personal safety. Provide crisis intervention, problem-solving, advocacy, and connections to community resources. Teach practical life skills that support independent living, including cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, managing a household, setting up utilities and mail service, being a good neighbor, and understanding lease responsibilities. Support emergency bed, drop-in, and other YOC programming to ensure services are coordinated and responsive to participant needs. Assist with weekly meal planning and meal program delivery. Provide transportation when needed to support participant safety and case plan goals. Lead & Support the YOC Team Serve as a leadership resource for Peer Advocates and assist the YOC Program Manager with day-to-day staff coordination. Help organize staff meetings, schedules, training activities, and program responsibilities. Support the YOC Program Manager in holding Peer Advocates accountable to their responsibilities and program expectations. Assist with onboarding, training, and sharing program information with YOC staff. Help ensure YOC programs operate consistently and work together effectively. Assist with monitoring and maintaining accurate program data and documentation in ServicePoint. Support Rapid Rehousing Participants Help participants access community resources and transition successfully into housing. Assist with apartment move-ins, including transportation, accessing household resources, and connecting participants with needed supplies. Conduct proactive home visits at least twice monthly to provide support, advocacy, problem-solving, resource connection, and encouragement toward housing stability and self-sufficiency. Teach independent living skills that promote successful tenancy and long-term stability. Complete monthly maintenance checks of program apartments. Assist with cleaning and preparing apartments when a participant leaves the program. Maintain communication with landlords and community partners as needed. Participate in the annual Rapid Rehousing landlord appreciation event. Maintain a Safe, Welcoming Environment Monitor participant safety and maintain a clean, organized, and respectful facility. Secure pocket knives, potential weapons, or other prohibited items in accordance with program policy. Respond appropriately to emergencies and notify the Program Manager or on-call staff of significant incidents or safety concerns. Clean and prepare vacated rooms, including securing personal belongings, laundering bedding, and sanitizing the space. Monitor and maintain inventory of food, household supplies, and personal care items. Maintain communication with referral partners regarding program availability and vacancies. Documentation & Communication Complete intakes, service entries, case notes, shift reports, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time. Enter and maintain participant information in ServicePoint and assist the Program Manager with ensuring accurate staff documentation. Maintain waitlist and referral information as needed. Provide timely communication to team members regarding participant needs, concerns, progress, and significant events. Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, supervision, and required trainings. Work at least one weekend shift as part of the regular schedule. 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, confident leader who knows how to build strong teams and create a safe, supportive environment where youth and staff can thrive. You lead with integrity, communicate openly, stay organized under pressure, and are committed to delivering trauma-informed, high-quality care every day. 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 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 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...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: High school diploma or equivalent. Three years of full-time human services experience, including experience supporting youth or young adults experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other significant challenges. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, harm reduction, housing stability, and community resources. Strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Ability to build trusting relationships, maintain healthy boundaries, and work effectively with diverse populations. Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to behavioral or safety concerns. Ability to provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to peers while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment. Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate resources, and maintain accurate and timely documentation. Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Experience with motivational interviewing, counseling, or child and adolescent development. First Aid and CPR certification. Experience mentoring, training, or providing peer leadership. Experience providing peer leadership, mentoring, training, or staff support. Experience with motivational interviewing, counseling, or child and adolescent development. Familiarity with housing programs, independent living skills, or supporting successful tenancy. The IDEAL Candidate 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 via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. 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 systemmessage@paycomonline.com 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 yss@yss.org 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