Provide individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents and young adults struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. Develop personalized treatment plans, conduct clinical assessments, and collaborate with community partners to support client recovery.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree in a mental health field and a valid Iowa license (LISW, LMFT, LMHC, or LMSW). Preferred candidates have CADC certification and experience working with youth and families in addiction treatment.
Category: Direct Care - Residential Addiction TreatmentAt YSS, we believe healing happens through connection, trust, and compassionate care. We're looking for a licensed Residential Therapist to join our team and help adolescents and young adults build the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to thrive in recovery and successfully transition back into their homes and communities. In this role, you'll provide individual, family, and group therapy while partnering with clients to address substance use, mental health, and behavioral challenges. You'll play a key role in creating personalized treatment plans, supporting progress, and helping clients navigate their recovery journey. What You'll Do... Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients and their families. Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop accurate clinical diagnoses. Create and implement individualized treatment plans with measurable goals. Provide evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy services. Monitor client progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed. Collaborate with families, treatment teams, schools, and community partners to coordinate care. Advocate for clients and connect them with needed resources and services. Respond to crises with professionalism, sound clinical judgment, and appropriate interventions. Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements. Meet established service delivery expectations and productivity standards. Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain clinical excellence. Uphold ethical standards, licensing requirements, and YSS policies and procedures. This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time. Who You Are... You understand that healing happens through connection, trust, and consistency. Using a trauma-informed approach, you create safe spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to work toward their goals.. 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 Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames 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 What We're Looking For...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.
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paid holidays
Life insurance
Competitive salary
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Long-term disability coverage
Volunteer time off
403(b) retirement savings plan
Birthday holiday
Comprehensive health insurance
Flu shots
Mental health support resources
Professional liability insurance coverage
Voluntary dental and vision insurance
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualification
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Supplemental compensation award
4 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO)
Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
Required
Qualifications -
MUST
HAVES: Master’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, marriage, and family therapy, or psychology. A license (LISW, LMFT, LMHC, LMSW) to practice in the State of Iowa, or a temporary license with the intent to seek independent licensure. Excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills and fluency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
SHOULD HAVES: Knowledge and training in substance use disorders, adolescents, and families. Certification by the Iowa Board of Substance Abuse as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Two years of experience performing similar or related duties. Proficient with the majority of Microsoft Office applications and basic database use. History of working with youth and families. Apositive, team-based approach to treatment and working with clients. A demonstrated ability to engage youth and establish rapport in creative ways. The IDEAL Candidate Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact. 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
