CARE Team Specialist (55629)

YSSis 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 Youll 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...

Youre 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 persons life.

What We Provide...

We invest in peoplebecause when you thrive so do the communities we serve. At YSS youll 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 oneyearof 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 drivers license and
  • have aclean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Bachelors 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.

TheIDEALCandidate

• 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 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 YSSone of Iowas 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 were expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at .
• We value the unique backgrounds identities and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were 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 viaemail- straight from our Paycom system address: .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 to your list of safe may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at

Our Hiring Process - Heres What to Expect...

• Apply Submit your application at We review your skills and experience
• Interview Phone video or in-person conversation
• References Well connect with 3 professional references
• Screening Background check driving record check and license verification if required
• Offer If its a match youll receive a formal offer through Paycom