DescriptionYSS is looking for a organized compassionate and dedicated CWES Caseworker/Education Specialist to join our North Iowa team in making a real difference!
Youll manage casework and educational coordination for up to 15 clients keeping files organized and accurate. Youll connect with families schools therapists and other professionals ensuring smooth communication and support. Youll 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 positions 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
QualificationsTo 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
- Masters degree in human services or a related field and 1year of full time related experience.
or
- Bachelors degree in human services or a related field and 2years of full time related experience.
or
- Associates degree in human services or a related field and 4years 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 drivers license anda clean driving record
- Carry insurance that meets YSS standards
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Specific experience working with adolescents in a residential setting.
- Strong communication skillsverbal nonverbal written and the subtle art of I see whats 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...
Youre 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 instabilityYour 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 youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
Were YSS - one of Iowas 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 were growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at !
At YSS we celebrate the unique backgrounds identities and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were dedicated to creating a respectful inclusive and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And were always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Dont 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
- were happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply - Fill out the online app at - Well check out your skills and experience.
- Interview - Phone video or in-person - well 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 its a match youll get a formal offer through Paycom.
Keywords: Behavioral Case Documentation Conflict Resolution Counselor Crisis De-escalation Direct Care EmergencyHuman Services Intervention Nonprofit Overnight Residential Shelter Social Services Trauma-Informed Treatment Youth