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Job Description
Turning weekends into moments that matter.
YSS is on the hunt for a Weekend Youth Specialist to join our Mason City team—aka someone who can bring structure, support, and just the right amount of fun to the weekend shift.
You’ll help create a safe, respectful space where youth can land, reset, and just be kids for a minute. You’ll keep the days structured (but never boring), make sure basic needs are met, and show up as a steady, supportive presence. From leading group activities to handling real-life moments as they come, you’re the one helping keep things running smoothly—and meaningfully.
Required work shifts for this position are:
- Friday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Your weekend game plan...
Client Supervision
- Keep a close eye on safety while building a positive, respectful environment
- Lead the charge on daily routines—groups, life skills, recreation, and yes… meals
- Help youth navigate responsibilities like chores and laundry (life skills = unlocked)
- Manage group dynamics and step in with calm, effective crisis support when needed
- Document key behaviors and incidents clearly and accurately
- Support medical needs and collaborate with staff, including classroom teams
Client File Management
- Complete intakes and keep service plans accurate and up to date
- Make sure documentation meets all licensing standards (dot those i’s, cross those t’s)
Potential Client Calls
- Be a friendly, knowledgeable voice on referral and placement calls
- Help connect individuals to the right services and coordinate admissions
Facility & Grounds
- Welcome and manage visitors appropriately
- Keep the space safe, clean, and compliant
- Flag and coordinate any facility needs or repairs
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 you’ve got the patience of a saint, the instincts of a coach, and the ability to pivot faster than weekend plans change, you’ll fit right in.
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 [email protected] - 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.