IHYC Street Outreach Advocate (56020)
Summary
Street Outreach Advocate helping homeless youth ages 16–24 in Des Moines, IA find stability through relationship-building, basic needs support, referrals to housing/healthcare/employment resources, and life-skills programming. Work happens across shelters, schools, and outdoor community settings using ServicePoint for documentation.
YSS is looking for a motivated, detail oriented, approachable YSS is looking for a compassionate, adaptable, and relationship-driven Street Outreach Advocate to join our Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team. In this role, you'll connect with young adults ages 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or recently housed. By building trust, meeting immediate needs, and connecting youth to critical resources, you'll help create pathways toward safety, stability, and independence..
Whether you're providing support at the YOC, in a school, at a shelter, or through street outreach across the Des Moines community, you'll help youth meet their immediate needs, connect with life-changing resources, and take meaningful steps toward a more stable future.
What You'll Do...
- Build trusting relationships with participants while fostering a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
- Conduct street outreach and engage youth where they are, connecting them to support and services.
- Help participants meet basic needs by coordinating access to food, clothing, hygiene products, transportation, and other essential resources.
- Connect youth with housing, healthcare, victim services, employment, education, and other community resources through referrals and advocacy.
- Facilitate individual and group programming focused on life skills, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and healthy decision-making.
- Complete participant intakes and maintain accurate documentation in ServicePoint.
- Promote positive connections with peers, supportive adults, and community partners to strengthen each participant's support network.
- Represent YSS in the community by educating partners and stakeholders about youth homelessness and the services available through Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Who You Are...
You believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—no matter their circumstances. You’re compassionate, adaptable, and able to build trust with youth from all walks of life. You meet people where they are, remain calm in challenging situations, and are passionate about helping young adults find stability, connection, and hope..
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