Careers

We are YSS:

Youth and young adults in Iowa struggle with homelessness for many reasons. They may have aged out of the foster care system, cannot live safely with a parent or family member, or don't have stable living arrangements. Our Transitional Housing programs focus on helping these homeless youth - including pregnant or parenting families - to live independently and become self-sufficient.

The role:

As a Transitional Housing Intern, you will help advance the YSS mission by:

• Helping youth with individual tasks/skills such as filling out job applications, and teaching the youth skills they need to gain/retain employment.
• Teaching transitional aged youth aged 16.5-24 to set goals and reach them so they can learn self-sufficiency skills.
• Supervising youth in their homes during various activities like cleaning.
• Assisting in preparing for new intakes into sites, and assisting with getting clients settled into their new living arrangements
• Becoming familiar with local community resources that the youth can utilize like the foods pantries, and clothing centers, and assisting clients obtain these services if needed
• Working with staff doing various activities like helping lead and prepare for life skills/budgeting groups, and meeting with clients.
• Working with case managers/advocates/youth specialists to help make sure the youth’s needs are met.
• Helping with various donation drives that the THS programs are involved with including Reggie’s Sleep Out, and holiday giving programs.
• Attending local and quarterly meetings with staff as needed to learn about activities, events, best practices, and more.
• Learning the Care Logic system for client files and assisting in ensuring all files are up to date and meet program requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we offer:

• Valuable, hands-on experience within a nonprofit organization.
• Behind the scenes look at Transitional Housing programs.
• Make connections with other professionals in the nonprofit sector.
• Casual dress code, fun team, and the opportunity to extend the internship into next semester.

What we are looking for:

• Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and take the initiative.
• Interest in young adults experiencing homelessness, transitional housing programs, and the YSS mission.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• All majors are accepted, but Human Services majors are preferred.

Time commitment, training, and supervision:

• Minimum of 16 hours per week.
• Bi-monthly meetings with supervisor; more meetings will be held if needed.
• Mandatory Reporter training and CPR/First Aid training must be completed

For questions about this position, please contact Sam Fox at sfox@yss.org