CARE Team Specialist (54880)

YSS•Cambridge, IA

28d•Onsite

About The Position

Step into the moment. Support the mission. Change the outcome. YSS is seeking a compassionate, proactive, and highly engaged CARE (Crisis, Assistance, Response, Engagement) Team Specialist to play a key role in maintaining safety and connection at our newly opened Ember Recovery Campus. YSS provides trauma-informed, inpatient addiction treatment through Ember Recovery, serving adolescents and young adults with residential care, mental health support, crisis stabilization, and shelter services. As a vital member of the CARE Team, the Specialist helps create a safe, structured, and supportive campus environment for clients, visitors, staff, and community partners. This role maintains a strong, visible presence—building trust, modeling positive interactions, and offering real-time coaching and support to staff. This is a hands-on, fast-moving role where no two days are the same. The CARE Team Specialist responds to crisis situations such as behavioral escalations, elopements, and safety concerns, working alongside direct care staff to de-escalate and stabilize situations. Law enforcement is engaged only when necessary, with a strong emphasis on therapeutic intervention. Following critical incidents, the Specialist leads or supports debriefs within 24 hours in partnership with the CARE Team Manager.

Requirements

One year of experience caring for and managing clients in a residential facility.
Travel, including transporting clients, is required for this position.
For YSS insurance purposes, you must: be 21 years of age, have a valid, state-issued, driver's license, have a clean driving record, and have adequate insurance coverage per YSS policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
Skilled in mediating conflicts, de-escalating tense situations, and promoting healthy communication.
Able to establish and maintain appropriate and effective working relationships with coworkers, the public, and clients.
Patient and calm under pressure, able to think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions in challenging or unexpected situations.
Understand issues of substance use, substance use disorders and the needs of youth facing substance use and dependency.
Understand available chemical dependency treatment interventions and other intervention strategies available to address these needs.

Responsibilities

Engage with clients in a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic manner
Promote growth by providing structure, maintaining clear expectations, and consistently applying boundaries
Build familiarity with campus operations, clients, and staff while proactively monitoring safety practices
Respond quickly and effectively to crisis situations, supporting both staff and clients
Complete timely, accurate documentation and incident reporting
Ensure client needs are addressed through established processes
Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners, including family members and caseworkers as appropriate
Collaborate with Campus Leadership to coordinate with local emergency responders when needed
Follow established protocols related to scheduling, fund management, and communication of key issues
Maintain clean, safe, and organized living spaces; submit maintenance requests as needed
Complete all required residential care training
Partner with program staff and supervisors to ensure compliance and high-quality service delivery