At YSS, we empower youth and young adults to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their potential. On our Ember Recovery Campus, youth ages 12–18 receive trauma-informed care, residential support, and a safe, nature-based space to heal, grow, and reclaim their lives from addiction.
The Residential Recovery Intern will support daily program operations while gaining hands-on experience in youth-centered behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and residential recovery— working closely with youth and professional staff to develop skills in social work, counseling, and human services..
What you'll be doing...
- Shadow staff and support daily residential operations
- Help supervise youth and report observations
- Lead or assist with life-skills groups, tutoring, and educational discussions
- Serve as a positive role model and supportive presence
- Transport youth to activities and appointments
- Assist with meal prep, office tasks, and general program support
- Attend orientation, staff meetings, and regular check-ins with your supervisor
- Complete trainings for Mandatory Reporter and CPR/First Aid.
What you'll gain...
- Hands-on experience in youth-centered residential recovery.
- Mentorship from experienced YSS staff.
- Training in trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, and life skills support.
- Skills that make your resume — and your heart — happy.
Compensation...
- This opportunity can be used for academic credit,
- Work with your advisor to ensure it meets your academic requirements.
- This internship is unpaid - but the experience will help you land a future job!
To build a world where youth thrive, all YSS staff embrace these core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ”Can Do” Spirit. We also ask for the following:
You must:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Have a solid grasp of the challenges at-risk youth and their families face (required)
- Have access to reliable transportation (required)
- Be studying (or recently finished) Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related* fields — all majors welcome!
We prefer you also are:
- Great at listening, observing, and communicating
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Tech-savvy with Microsoft Office and basic databases
- Motivated, curious and eager to learn.
- Compassionate, patient, and empathetic.
- Bonus points if you speak another language
We celebrate the strength in 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.
For those in recovery, we typically ask for two years of sobriety to ensure stability and readiness for leadership, though candidates with one year may be considered case by case.
More about us...
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, a passionate 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 are 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 maybe your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - 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.
* Applicable Degrees: Addiction Counseling, Addiction Studies, Adolescent Psychology, Behavioral Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Child Psychology, Clinical Mental Health, Corrections, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Family Science, Family Studies, Family Therapy, Human Services, Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Nursing, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Health, Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Youth Development, Youth Services
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