Youth Services Worker

Youth Services Worker

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) is seeking a Youth Services Worker (YSW) to join our team! This is a full-time opportunity with a 10-hour shift/4 days per week typically consisting of evenings and weekends. In addition to the base pay, there is an available shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift. We also offer opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

YSWs assist with the daily activities of students and maintaining order in their living units. These positions provide leadership and structure through regular interaction, guidance, and monitoring and portray good role modeling skills in language, behavior, and attitude. YSWs work with students during recreation and leisure time activities, teaching sportsmanship, fairness, decision-making, and emotional control. These positions escort students to programs on campus, communicate effectively to facilitate and participate in various aspects of treatment programs, and provide transportation for students if needed. YSWs help create a safe environment using visual observation, hearing, and effective awareness skills and ensure that students receive emergency medical assistance when needed. Staff in this position will perform physical control and restraint of students using trained techniques and methods, assist in searches for missing students, monitor contraband, document headcounts, report security lapses or breakdowns, and perform other actions as needed for the safety of students and staff. Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

STS offers a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program that utilizes evidence-based practices to provide a secure setting, rooted in treatment, for males ages 12 to 18 years old who have been adjudicated delinquent. STS provides individualized treatment plans and offers comprehensive education with the goal of successfully transitioning young men back into the community. If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work and helping young men find stability in their lives and security in their future, this is the right job for you. Your work at STS has the potential to help pull these young men together and change their futures.

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Benefits of Joining STS

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).

Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).

Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.

Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.

Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

Free On-Campus Workout Facilities For additional information on benefits click here. Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator. Working at STS comes with a special perk! This location offers access for staff to the impressive on-campus gym during off student hours. This includes 3 full size basketball courts, two fully stocked weight rooms with machine and free weights, showers, and lockers. We also provide a cardio room for staff only featuring exercise mats and advanced treadmills and stationary bikes. Usage of these resources is completely free for all STS staff.

Eldora Highlights STS is located in Eldora, a quaint community with a population of approximately 2,800 residents, located in north central Iowa. Eldora is an Iowa River Greenbelt Community and the Iowa River Greenbelt Scenic Drive winds through a picturesque landscape of valleys, woods, and streams. With easy access to the Iowa River and Pine Lake, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing, as well as the many educational opportunities, cultural activities, and entertainment events nearby, including a picturesque 9-hole golf course surrounded by Pine Lake State Park. Eldora is 45 minutes away from Ames and Cedar Falls, 30 minutes from Marshalltown, and only 20 minutes from Iowa Falls. Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

Ames, Iowa is the home of Iowa State University, featuring one of the nation's premier Engineering schools and leading Veterinary and Agricultural programs. Cedar Falls is the home of the University of Northern Iowa. Iowa Falls is the home of Ellsworth Community College. Des Moines has one of the nation's finest State Fairs and is home to the Iowa Cubs, Casey's Center (host site of NCAA Basketball, premier concerts), and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation's largest skatepark.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD). E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from high school or G.E.D.; OR experience equal to two years of full-time work in a youth service program working directly in the treatment of adjudicated, at risk, or other youths needing service or assistance. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description and minimum qualifications.

Designated positions in this job class require applicants and/or incumbents to possess a valid driver's license.

Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator.

Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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