Youth Specialist, Overnight (55270)

Salary Range $18.00 Hourly

Position Type Full Time

Job Shift Overnight

Education Level High School/GED

Travel Percentage Up to 25%

Category Direct Care - Emergency Services/Shelter

We Are YSS!

When the lights go down, we show up.

YSS is looking for a sharp, steady, night-owl hero to join our our Mason City crew as an Overnight Youth Specialist !

You’ll keep the overnight vibe calm, safe, and structured—making sure clients can actually sleep (a true overnight miracle worker). You’ll supervise, support, and step in when needed, all while building an environment rooted in trust and respect.

When morning rolls around, you’ll help kickstart the day—getting clients up, moving, and ready, while keeping the house running smoothly (yes, that includes laundry… we won’t sugarcoat it).

Work shifts are 11:00 pm - 7:00 am and include a rotating schedule of weekday, weekend, and holiday hours.

Your night-to-morning highlight reel...

• Keep a watchful eye on client safety and whereabouts (basically: low-key superhero mode)

• Set the tone by modeling healthy boundaries and respectful behavior

• Keep routines on track—bedtime, wake-up, hygiene, and daily responsibilities

• Navigate group dynamics without breaking a sweat

• Step in during crises and coordinate emergency support when needed

• Document what matters—clear, accurate logs and incident reports

• Keep communication flowing with supervisors and on-call staff

• Support new client intakes, paperwork, and screenings

• Answer the call (literally)—help connect people to the right services and support

• Maintain a clean, safe, and ready-for-anything environment

• Run safety drills and follow emergency procedures like a pro

• Keep an eye on facility needs and agency vehicles

• Show up, stay sharp, and follow through on policies and training

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

What We Provide...

We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.

• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive benefits.

• Health insurance

• Voluntary dental insurance

• Voluntary vision insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance

• Professional liability insurance coverage

• Flexible spending account/health savings account

• Supplemental compensation award

• Generous Paid Time off and Leave

• Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)

• Volunteer time off

• Paid holiday leave

• Birthday holiday

• Wellness Program Opportunities

• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

• Employee Assistance Program for all employees

• Flu shots

• Mental health support

• YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.

• 403(b) retirement offerings

If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.

What We Ask...

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 .

MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations

• Basic computer skills and comfort learning systems like EMRs

• 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, and

• have a clean driving record.

SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.

• One year of experience in the management and supervision of adolescents in a residential setting.

• Comfortable stepping into high-stress or unpredictable situations and responding with calm, sound judgment

• Experience leading or facilitating groups, activities, or skill-building sessions (think life skills, social skills, or recreational programming)

• Strong documentation skills—you can capture what happened clearly, accurately, and without writing a novel

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, or behavior management systems (or a willingness to learn fast)

• Experience balancing multiple responsibilities at once—supervising, engaging, documenting, and solving problems on the fly

• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes

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 language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).

Who You Are...

You stay calm under pressure , lead with empathy, and know how to set clear, consistent boundaries. You connect easily with youth, think on your feet, and handle challenges with confidence and sound judgment. You’re reliable, team-oriented, and driven to do work that makes a real impact .

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 oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big . Check us out at yss.org!

At YSS , we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.

YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email View email address on click.appcast.io - we’re happy to help!

The YSS Hiring Process

• Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.

• Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.

• Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.

• References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.

• Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).

• Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.