Care Specialist (HUB)

DAYBREAK INC; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 18,729 - 26,675; Full time

Job summary

DAYBREAK INC in Dayton, OH seeks an Entry-level Care Specialist to support YYAs experiencing homelessness. You will help create a safe, trauma-informed environment, assist with daily living activities, and coordinate group sessions and activities in the HUB.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, collaboration with case managers, and documenting client progress while ensuring adherence to program guidelines. This role offers a meaningful path in nonprofit social services with room to grow.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with five years in social services, education, or related field.
• Associate’s degree plus two years of experience in social services or related setting.
• Minimum two years of direct work with youth and young adults; homelessness experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed residential environment that respects autonomy and dignity.
• Support YYAs in daily living activities and reinforce positive habits (hygiene, housekeeping, time management).
• Lead structured groups and coordinate resident activities, promoting skill-building and problem solving.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization, apply de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Collaborate with case managers and clinical team to align with individualized goals.
• Monitor safety and secure spaces; follow agency safety protocols.
• Document shift events, complete incidents reports, and maintain accurate client records.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field

Tools

CareLogic

Job description

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: Dayton, OH 45402, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $16.48 hourly, Travel Percentage: Less than 10%, Job Shift: First, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services.

The Care Specialist plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive environment. This position focuses on supporting the physical and emotional safety of clients by building positive relationships, promoting life skills development, facilitating life enrichment activities for youth, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. The Care Specialist coordinates and facilitates all activities in the HUB, acts as a central point of contact for coordinating group sessions and activities, aids in administering the clients’ individualized treatment plans, monitors client progress, and provides emotional support to promote stability and well-being. This role ensures the safety of clients by assisting with crisis intervention and triage when necessary, and works collaboratively with clinical staff in providing holistic, trauma‑informed care that enhances the overall well‑being and long‑term stability of YYAs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Client Support

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma‑informed residential environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs.
• Support YYAs in navigating daily living activities, reinforcing positive habits in areas such as good hygiene, housekeeping, time management, and meal preparation.
• Assist in life skills development and positive connections by facilitating and encouraging engagement in enrichment activities, social skill‑building, and problem solving.
• Provide daily face‑to‑face crisis intervention and stabilization services; conflict resolution, coping strategies, and emotional regulation according to agency intervention training and the needs of the client.
• Offer empathetic listening and guidance to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.

Operations and Program Support

• Lead structured groups focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, life skills, etc.
• Coordinate with the team and participate in client engagement and resident activities (i.e., groups, chores). Assist clients with daily living activities while maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Monitor and maintain communal spaces, ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience.
• Support YYAs in tracking their weekly schedules, reinforcing accountability for work, school and program participation.

Collaboration and Team Coordination

• Work closely with case managers and other team members to ensure seamless coordination of services and alignment with each client’s individualized goals. Collaborate with clinical team members to ensure continuity of care and adherence to treatment goals.
• Communicate with the security team and follow safety protocols to ensure a secure and stable residential environment for all YYAs.

Safety & Security Functions

• Monitor facility entry points, common areas, and client spaces to maintain a secure and welcoming environment. Conduct regular walkthroughs and safety checks in accordance with agency policies.
• Provide immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises using approved de‑escalation techniques and report incidents promptly.

Documentation and Compliance

• Document shift events in daily log, prepare and maintain accurate records, complete UIR (Unusual Incident Report) and other forms that may be required in CareLogic or for PQI as assigned and as required.
• Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required.
• OR Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults is required, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred.