Hybrid Transitional Living Program Intern at YSS
YSS · Des Moines, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Office in Des Moines
Job Details
Job Location: DSM Lighthouse - Des Moines, IA
Position Type: Internship
Salary Range: Undisclosed
Job Shift: Any
Job Category: Internships
Make a Real Difference — and Build Your Future
We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s oldest and largest nonprofits dedicated to uplifting youth and putting kids first. We’re committed to creating lasting impact in the communities we serve — and your contributions will help us do that.
The Transitional Living Program (TLP) offers monitored, supportive housing for homeless youth ages 16 to 21 who are unable to live safely with a parent or guardian and lack a stable alternative. Participants live in supervised, on-site transitional housing for up to 21 months, during which they work toward self-sufficiency through life skills development, counseling, and a commitment to sobriety. You’ll get to:
- Help with new client intakes and orientation.
- Supervise residents during daily routines and household responsibilities.
- Collaborate with staff to meet youth needs and ensure effective case management.
- Assist with employment readiness (e.g., job applications, workplace skills).
- Teach goal setting and self-sufficiency strategies.
- Support life skills workshops (e.g., budgeting, personal development).
- Connect youth to local resources (food pantries, clothing centers, etc.).
- Participate in community events and donation drives (e.g., Reggie’s Sleep Out, holiday programs).
- Attend orientation, staff meetings, and trainings to stay informed and engaged.
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support program operations.
The time requirement for this internship is:
- a minimum of 8 hours per week.
- bi-monthly meetings with your supervisor; more if needed.
- Mandatory Reporter training and CPR/First Aid training
What you get...
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. As a YSS intern, you’ll:
- gain hands-on experience
- develop professional skills
- expand your professional network
- obtain valuable training
- receive mentorship and feedback from experienced staff
- make a difference
- prepare yourself for the next step in your education/ career; maybe even a full-time role at YSS!
It is your responsibility to make sure that your hours meet your academic requirements.
We celebrate the strength in your story.
Have you walked the path of recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Are you driven to transform your experience into a source of strength and hope for others? If so, YSS wants to hear from you.
We believe your lived experience brings a compassionate and redemptive perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and offering guidance as a role model and mentor, you have the power to make a meaningful impact at YSS.
Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we welcome your application. For those in recovery, we typically ask for two years of sobriety to ensure stability and leadership readiness, though we may consider candidates with one year on a case-by-case basis.
Who you are...
It’s not just an internship – it’s a chance to be the spark in someone’s story. We’re looking for someone who is:
- currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program - any major is welcome but Human Services majors are preferred.
- interested in young adults experiencing homelessness.
- at least 19 years old.
- able to access reliable transportation
- possesses excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills.
- proactive, takes initiative, seeks out opportunities for learning,
- comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- ready to inspire, connect, and lead with purpose,
Who we are (and why you'll love us)...
Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive through education, counseling, and support that actually makes a difference. With a passionate, diverse leadership team and our brand-new, 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. We're not just keeping up with the times—we're shaping the future of care for youth and families in Iowa. Want to know more about our mission and all the awesome things we’re up to? Visit yss.org!
At YSS, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we live it, celebrate it, and grow from it every day. We believe the best teams are made up of all kinds of people, with all kinds of perspectives. That’s what makes us strong, creative, and downright awesome. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we’re all about creating a space where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed—no matter your background, identity, or hairstyle. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, and we’re always working to do better, together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - Most of our communication with applicants happens through email—straight from our Paycom system. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and maybe your spam/junk folder too, just in case our message took a detour). Got questions about your application or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [email protected] - 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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