Trauma Program Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

YSS is looking for a collaborative, compassionate, and visionary Residential Manager to help lead our Ember Recovery Team.

This is more than a management role—it's an opportunity to build something meaningful. Every day, you'll help create a safe, structured, and healing environment where youth facing substance use and mental health challenges can find hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward recovery.

As the Ember Residential Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the residential program while supporting, coaching, and empowering a dedicated team of professionals. Working alongside the Campus Director, medical and clinical teams, and direct care staff, you'll help shape a culture where compassion, accountability, and teamwork go hand in hand.

If you're energized by developing people, solving challenges, and making a lasting impact, you'll thrive in this role. Your leadership will help ensure exceptional, trauma-informed care while maintaining the high standards that keep our program safe, effective, and compliant.

What You'll Do...

Lead & Develop Your Team

• Directly supervise, coach, train, and develop the Operations Coordinator, Recovery Leads, and Day & Overnight Recovery Specialists.
• Partner with the Campus Director on hiring, performance evaluations, corrective action, and employee status changes.
• Develop and manage staff schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels and required client ratios.
• Participate in the supervisory on-call rotation.

Foster a Safe, Healing Environment

• Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for youth and staff.
• Educate clients on fire, health, and safety regulations.
• Conduct monthly fire and tornado drills.
• Coordinate facility maintenance by submitting and following up on work orders.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state confidentiality and privacy regulations, as well as licensure, certification, contract, grant, and accreditation requirements.
• Oversee client documentation, group notes, and incident reports to ensure accuracy and timely completion.
• Ensure client records are complete, current, and audit-ready.
• Monitor program budgets as assigned and manage purchase cards, receipts, program expenses, and supporting documentation.

Support Clinical & Medical Services

• Partner with medical and clinical teams to ensure best-practice, trauma-informed care.
• Coordinate with prescribing providers and pharmacies to ensure medications are filled accurately and payment is secured.
• Review medication documentation for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies.
• Ensure medications are stored securely and discontinued medications are disposed of according to policy.

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

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:

• Bachelor’s in a human services related field and four (4) years experience, which includes direct supervision of multiple employees.
  • OR
• Seven (7) years of experience, which includes direct supervision of multiple employees.

PLUS

• Knowledge and understanding of:
  • the needs of young people experiencing addiction and the interventions available to address these need,
  • the connection between trauma and  substance use/abuse.
  • child and youth development, 
  • group dynamics, basic counseling skills and an ability to implement appropriate interventions.
  • the required standards and guidelines for residential care (IDPH, HHS, DIA, CARF, etc.) 
• Travel, including transporting clients, 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.  

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Experience managing residential facilities.
• Experience with Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and the ability to implement TIC principles.
• Patient and calm under pressure, able to think critically and solve problems in challenging or unexpected situations.
• Able to mediate conflicts, de-escalate tense situations, and promote healthy communication. 
• Skilled in verbal and non-verbal communication, with strong observation, listening, speaking, and writing abilities.
• Proficient in basic computer skills, navigating multiple systems, and operating in a Microsoft Windows environment. 

The IDEAL Candidate

• Leads by example, acting as a role model for residents, demonstrating honesty, ethical behavior, and guiding them through their recovery journey.
• Demonstrates genuine empathy, compassion, and a strong commitment to the well-being and success of others.
• 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