3rd Shift Developmental Care Specialist (Part-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health

Wedgwood Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 28,240 - 30,996; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Time-and-a-half pay for holidays

Employer-paid training and re-certification

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Free gym access and wellness center

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan is looking for a Part-Time Developmental Care Specialist to provide direct care within our residential program for adolescent boys. This role involves helping youth build resilience, supporting daily operations, and implementing individualized treatment plans. Candidates must be at least 20 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and align with our Statement of Faith. Compensation ranges from $20.50 - $22.50/hour with holiday pay and employer-paid training.

Qualifications

• At least 20 years of age.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and safely perform physical interventions when necessary.
• Alignment with Wedgwood's Statement of Faith.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers.
• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Build mentoring relationships using trauma-informed approaches.
• Utilize verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.

Skills

Behavioral health advocacy

Crisis intervention techniques

Communication skills

Physical wellness support

Youth mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)

Counseling

Human Services

Job description

3rd Shift Developmental Care Specialist (Part-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health

VanderArk A Program | Boys Ages 12–17 | Specialized program for boys with developmental disabilities

We are seeking a Developmental Care Specialist to provide direct care within our residential behavioral health program serving adolescent boys (ages 12–17). Many of the boys in our VanderArk A Program have never experienced consistent safety or stability. As a Developmental Care Specialist, you will show up daily as a stable, caring adult — helping youth build resilience, practice emotional regulation, and envision a future beyond trauma.

In addition to supporting normal daily operations of the residential unit, you will coordinate with the Program BCBA to implement focused behavioral intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). You may facilitate social interactions, as well as design and conduct exciting daily small group activities in a fun, engaging environment.

If you are passionate about behavioral health, trauma-informed residential care, ABA, youth advocacy, and therapeutic mentorship, we invite you to apply.

Schedule

• 3 out of 4 weekends a month (Saturday & Sunday) 11p-7a with opportunities to pick up shifts.

Compensation

• $20.50 - $22.50/hour
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays
• Employer-paid training and re-certification

What You’ll Do

Working alongside our multidisciplinary treatment team, you will:

• Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers
• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model (safety, emotional intelligence, open communication, and social learning)
• Build consistent, mentoring relationships using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches
• Utilize verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support behavioral regulation
• Model and teach healthy communication, problem-solving, and daily living skills
• Support youth in developing life skills, self-worth, and positive identity formation
• Engage in structured recreational and skill-building activities
• Administer medications as assigned and support physical wellness routines
• Document and maintain accurate records in alignment with behavioral health standards
• Transport residents to appointments, school, court, or community activities as needed

Background & Qualifications

Required

• At least 20 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and safely perform physical interventions when necessary
• Alignment with Wedgwood’s Statement of Faith, vision and values

Preferred Education

• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)
• Counseling
• Human Services
• Child Development
• Criminal Justice (youth focus)
• Behavioral Health or related field

Preferred Experience

• Residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
• ABA Therapy (in home or center based)
• Behavioral health or mental health settings
• Juvenile justice or youth-serving programs
• Crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments
• Rehabilitation or recovery centers/shelters
• Group homes, inpatient, or community mental health
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance discount through Nationwide
• Legal Insurance
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
• Full gymnasium with an attached 24-hour wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment, provided at no cost to staff.
• Walking trail that leads around the beautiful campus.