What are the responsibilities and job description for the CWES Caseworker/Education Specialist (53972) position at YSS?
YSS is looking for a organized, compassionate, and dedicated CWES Caseworker/Education Specialist to join our North Iowa team in making a real difference!
You’ll manage casework and educational coordination for up to 15 clients, keeping files organized and accurate. You’ll connect with families, schools, therapists, and other professionals, ensuring smooth communication and support. You’ll also help create a safe, respectful environment and guide staff on file management and EMR systems. Additional responsibilities include:
Client Supervision
- Supervise clients, ensuring safety, presence, and awareness of their activities.
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate group sessions on social skills, life skills, and recreation.
- Provide meals per Dept. of Education standards.
- Implement behavior management goals and privileges consistently.
- Provide crisis interventions as needed.
Casework
- Build rapport and assess clients’ needs (basic, health, educational, service).
- Complete client intakes, Service Plans, and Discharge Summaries.
- Facilitate weekly family connections with clients and their support system.
- Track and manage client medications in EMR; schedule reviews/refills.
- Prepare discharged client files for compliance checks.
Education Specialist
- Coordinate education services with referral workers and school personnel.
- Transfer school records and participate in IEP meetings as requested.
- Arrange academic testing and alternative learning options (tutoring, etc.).
- Monitor education progress and address academic needs.
- Coordinate transportation to maintain school placement when possible.
EMR System & Reporting
- Enter and track new client data in EMR; scan/upload relevant documents.
- Assist in staff training on EMR systems and data entry.
Referral & Placement
- Receive and assess referral calls; connect callers with YSS or community resources.
- Maintain knowledge of community resources to provide accurate guidance.
- Complete CWES Screening Tool and begin admission paperwork when needed.
- Consult supervisors/on-call staff for appropriate CWES engagement levels.
Leadership & On-Call Responsibilities
- Rotate on-call duties after hours and weekends as requested.
- Participate in Mobile Crisis Response Unit when designated.
Please know this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.
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
To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ’Can Do’ Spirit. We also ask for the following:
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in human services or a related field and 1 year of full time, related experience.
or
- Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field and 2 years of full time, related experience.
or
- Associate's degree in human services or a related field and 4 years of full time related experience.
plus
- Ability to travel and transport clients as needed. For insurance purposes, you must:
- Be 21 or older
- Hold a valid state-issued driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Specific experience working with adolescents in a residential setting.
- Strong communication skills—verbal, nonverbal, written, and the subtle art of “I see what’s going on here.”
- Ability to collaborate with people across all backgrounds and identities.
- Solid critical thinking and problem-solving chops.
- Good at managing resources without wasting time, energy, or snacks.
- Strong time-management skills (for yourself and when guiding others).
The IDEAL Candidate Will:
- Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
- Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re a compassionate, organized professional who thrives supporting youth in a safe, structured environment. You excel at guiding clients, coordinating services, managing records, and communicating with families, schools, and community partners. Calm under pressure and detail-oriented, you step up in crises and on-call situations, dedicated to making a real impact on the lives of the youth you serve.
We celebrate the strength in 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.
Keywords: Behavioral, Case, Documentation, Conflict Resolution, Counselor, Crisis, De-escalation, Direct Care, Emergency, Human Services, Intervention, Nonprofit, Overnight, Residential, Shelter, Social Services, Trauma-Informed, Treatment, Youth
Salary : $21 - $24