Job Information
YSS North Iowa CWES Shift Leader (55260) in Mason City, Iowa
Salary Range $17.28 - $19.00 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Job Shift Day
Category Direct Care - Emergency Services/Shelter
We Are YSS!
YSS is looking for an energetic, compassionate, and steady leader to join our North Iowa team as a Child Welfare Emergency Services (CWES) Shift Leader.
If you’re someone who can lead with both heart and structure—keeping things calm when they’re not, and creating a space where youth feel safe, supported, and respected—this role might be your sweet spot.
As a Shift Leader, you’ll guide your team through each shift, support youth in crisis, and keep the environment running smoothly. You’ll balance leadership and direct care—coaching staff, making real-time decisions, and ensuring every client’s basic needs, safety, and dignity are front and center. You’ll also serve as a key point of connection for families and on-call staff, helping navigate everything from intakes to emergencies with confidence and care.
What You'll Do...
Lead and support staff through day-to-day operations and high-pressure situations
Make sound decisions during client escalations, emergencies, and complex scenarios
Plan and coordinate each shift, including staffing, client supervision, and activities
Provide direct supervision and crisis intervention to ensure client safety and stability
Mentor and train team members to build confidence and consistency
Serve as a liaison between staff, leadership, and external supports (including families and community partners)
Complete and oversee accurate, timely documentation (intakes, logs, incident reports, etc.)
Respond to referral calls and connect individuals to appropriate services and resources
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What We Provide...
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:
Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits.
Health insurance
Voluntary dental insurance
Voluntary vision insurance
Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
Professional liability insurance coverage
Flexible spending account/health savings account
Supplemental compensation award
Generous Paid Time off and Leave
Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
Volunteer time off
Paid holiday leave
Birthday holiday
Wellness Program Opportunities
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Employee Assistance Program for all employees
Flu shots
Mental health support
YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
403(b) retirement offerings
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
What We Ask...
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 .
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in human services or similar field
One year of related experience
Travel is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must:
be 21 years of age,
have a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, and
have a clean driving record.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
Experience directing/monitoring the work of others.
A basic understanding of the needs of young people experiencing housing instability or crisis
Experience with shelter facilities
The IDEAL candidate:
Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re a steady, confident leader who brings structure and compassion to high-pressure situations. You stay calm under stress , make sound decisions, and support both clients and staff with clarity and care.
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 oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big . Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS , we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - 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.