We are YSS:

IHYC's (Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - a YSS organization) is dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of at-risk and homeless youth (age 16-22), the IHYC Youth Opportunity Center in downtown Des Moines provides a safe place for young people to connect with services.

The role:

As an Overnight Emergency Bed Youth Advocate, you will supervise, provide support and establish rapport with the nine Youth Opportunity Center Emergency Bed participants during assigned hours, while providing an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect. Emergency Bed participants will be young adults 18-22 who are experiencing homelessness.

You will work to ensure all basic needs of the participants are met, and that they are provided with a safe, stable environment in which to work towards stability. Duties will include checking youth into the facility, providing emergency needs for youth such as bedding, food and hygiene, and monitoring the facility during the overnight hours.

What you will need:

• High School Diploma/equivalent is required.
• One year of experience in the human services field is required.

What you will do:

• Conduct intakes with new youth and orient them to the center.
• Provide program information to potential clients, referral sources, and other groups, both in person and over the phone, as needed.
• Relate to clients in a caring, supportive manner, while enforcing program rules and guidelines consistently, firmly, and fairly.
• Oversee client activities such as chores, curfew, bedtime, wake-up, and personal hygiene. Is aware of clients' presence and behavior at all times.
• Check in any pocket knives or potential weapons nightly from youth to ensure that there are no weapons or illegal substances unsecured in the facility.
• Alert on-call staff or Case Manager of major incidents or emergencies.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and appearance of the facility.
• Assist and track inventory of household supplies, personal care products, and food items.
• Conduct group activities and center meetings to resolve conflicts as needed.

What we offer:

• Fun team environment
• Mission-driven work
• Insurance coverage options
• Wellness program offerings
• Paid time off & leave programs
• Discounts on pet insurance
• Flexible shift and hours
• Training and development opportunities

MORE THAN JUST A JOB.

As an employee of YSS, you will be part of one of Iowa’s largest youth-serving organizations and a passionate team that believes in putting kids first.

Our programs focus on three key areas: prevention, treatment, and transition. Our staff plays a vital role in listening and letting youth know they are heard. In encouraging young people to be confident and make healthy choices. In turning hopelessness into hope. In helping youth stand strong.

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