Youth Development Specialist- Per Diem Schedule
$43,680–$43,680 year
On-siteGrand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Job Summary
Provide direct care and supervision to youth and young adults, ensuring their health, safety, and living space remain secure and orderly. Engage in therapeutic relationships through de-escalation, positive reinforcement, and mentorship covering social skills, hygiene, and education. Plan and conduct recreational activities, dispense medications per schedule, and assist with meal preparation. Maintain written records, partner with treatment teams, and complete all required training sessions. Work within a campus program serving children and families in Grand Rapids, adhering to agency policies and values.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required by the state licensing authority
- Valid driver's license and good driving record
- A year of experience working with and/or volunteering with children
- Good written communication skills
- Ability to work with a variety of people both within and outside DABSJ
- Become familiar with and follow the code of ethics for your profession and agree to abide by the related DABSJ standards
- Possess an understanding and sensitivity to the adolescent's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics with personal qualities of warmth with the ability to establish meaningful relationships with people from various cultures
- Positive acceptance of supervision to learn and be trained in job-related functions
- Personal qualities of organizational skills, assertiveness, good judgment, conscientiousness, attention to detail and timeliness
- Good health and physical condition
- Free of communicable diseases
- A personal commitment to DABSJ's mission, philosophy, and values
- High frustration tolerance level
- Ability to bend, reach, kneel, or engage in light physical tasks as part of daily responsibilities
- Ability to move throughout campus for extended periods, including walking, standing and transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces
- Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 40 pounds occasionally during a shift
- Ability to safely operate a company vehicle to transport youth to various activities
- Ability to use verbal communication effectively, including calm, clear, and supportive dialogue during both routine interactions and moments of heightened emotion
- Ability to sustain attention and emotional regulation during challenging or unpredictable situations
- Ability to respond promptly and safely in a crisis situation which maybe involve quick movement, positioning or guiding a youth to a safe area
- Ability to work in environments with varying levels of noise, activity, or interruptions, and to adapt to changing priorities or urgent situations
Desired Qualifications
- Agency prefers completed college courses in a field related to the helping profession
- Experience working with adolescents who have emotional and behavioral challenges is strongly preferred
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