CARE Team Specialist (55629)

YSS is looking for a compassionate, calm-under-pressure CARE (Crisis, Assistance, Response, Engagement) Team Specialist to join us is creating a place where youth can heal, grow, and thrive..

This role plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment for youth and young adults receiving residential, mental health, crisis stabilization, and shelter services.

As a visible presence across campus, the CARE Team Specialist responds to crises, supports de-escalation efforts, and partners with staff to address behavioral and safety concerns. This role works collaboratively with program teams, campus leadership, and emergency responders to promote safety, minimize disruptions, and achieve positive outcomes for youth.

Through relationship-building, crisis intervention, and proactive support, the CARE Team Specialist helps create an environment where youth, staff, and visitors feel safe, respected, and supported.

What You'll Do...

Crisis Response & Safety

• Respond to crises, safety concerns, and emergencies across campus.
• Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation strategies to support youth and staff.
• Maintain a visible presence and proactively address safety concerns.
• Coordinate response efforts with staff, leadership, and emergency personnel.

Youth Engagement & Support

• Build positive, therapeutic relationships with youth.
• Provide structure, guidance, and consistent expectations.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and healing environment.

Team Collaboration

• Support and coach staff during challenging situations.
• Participate in incident debriefings and follow-up activities.
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, and community partners.

Compliance & Operations

• Follow agency policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.
• Complete documentation and incident reports accurately and timely.
• Report safety, maintenance, and operational concerns.
• Maintain required certifications and trainings.
• Collaborate across programs to support campus operations and mission success.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You're the kind of person others look to when things get tough. You remain calm in high-pressure situations, build strong relationships through trust and respect, and approach every interaction with compassion and professionalism. You believe that safety, connection, and consistency can make a meaningful difference in a young person's life.

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

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.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience working the care and management of clients in a residential facility.
• Experience responding to crises, behavioral incidents, or emergency situations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid and agency-approved crisis intervention training.
• Travel, including transportation of clients, 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.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Understanding of the issues facing adolescents experiencing mental health, behavioral, substance use, or trauma-related challenges.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and de-escalation practices, or the ability to learn quickly.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-pressure situations.

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

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 largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3 professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom