CARE Team Specialist (55629)

YSS • Cambridge, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

YSS is looking for a compassionate, calm-under-pressure CARE (Crisis, Assistance, Response, Engagement) Team Specialist to join us in 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To 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.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative.
• 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).
• Lived experience navigating recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Build positive, therapeutic relationships with youth.
• Provide structure, guidance, and consistent expectations.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and healing environment.
• Support and coach staff during challenging situations.
• Participate in incident debriefings and follow-up activities.
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, and community partners.
• 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.

Benefits

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• 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
• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off
• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree