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Youth Counselor

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Youth Counselor

Salary

$49,254.40 - $73,216.00 Annually

Location

Eldora - 50627 - Hardin County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00825

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care - State Training School

Opening Date

09/26/2025

Closing Date

10/6/2025 2:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Anthony Miller, [email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

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 Counselor to join our team! This is a full-time position with a variable schedule that is generally Monday - Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. but sometimes requires different hours and weekends as needed and provides opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

The Youth Counselor position provides counseling and related therapy as part of the treatment program for young men. The primary duties include:

+ Handling a diverse caseload of emotionally disordered students.

+ Providing both individual and group counseling.

+ Implementing behavioral modification programs.

If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work and helping young men find stability in their lives and security in their future, this is this the right job for you. Your work at STS has the potential to help pull these young men together and change their futures.

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.

Benefits of Joining STS

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.

+ 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 (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3766/download?inline=) .

Click hereto 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 roomfor staff onlyfeaturing 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. https://www.iastate.edu/

+ Cedar Falls is the home of the University of Northern Iowa, https://uni.edu/

+ Iowa Falls is the home of Ellsworth Community College. https://ecc.iavalley.edu

+ 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).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a minimum of twelve semester hours in child development, criminology, mental health, psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related area;

OR

the equivalent of one year of full-time employment working with youths and/or adults in the above areas or closely related area at a level comparable to Youth Services Worker or above may be substituted for each year of the required education up to a maximum of four years;

OR

any equivalent combination of the above education and experience shall be considered as qualifying;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience as a Youth Services Technician shall be considered as qualified.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/YouthCounselor-03054.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Chauffeur's License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

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-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

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.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

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.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?

Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university?IF YESDo you have a minimum of twelve semester hours in child development, criminology, mental health, psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related area?

+ Yes - My current application and/or attached documentation clearly addresses this requirement

+ No - I do not have a degree or the required 12 semester hours.

04

How many years do you have in a combination of post high school educationAND/ORfull-time experience working with youths and/or adults in child development, criminology, mental health, psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related area at a level comparable to Youth Services Worker?

30 semester hours equals one year of experience

+ I do not have any of the identified education AND/OR experience

+ Less than two years of the identified education AND/OR experience

+ Two years to less than four years of the identified education AND/OR experience

+ Four years or more of the identified education AND/OR experience

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Youth Services Technician for the State of Iowa?

+ Not applicable – I am not a State of Iowa employee

+ No experience as a Youth Services Technician

+ Less than 12 months of experience as a Youth Services Technician

+ 12 or more months of experience as a Youth Services Technician

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care - State Training School

Address

State Training School for Boys

3211 W Edgington

Eldora, 50627

Website

https://hhs.iowa.gov/state-training-school

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