CARE Team Specialist

Location: Cambridge

YSS is 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 You'll 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 ...You're 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 person's life.

What We Provide...We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll 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,…