Activity Treatment Specialist (Unaccompanied Minors Program)

Wedgwood Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 33,062 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403b Retirement Plan

Medical plans with coverage

Life insurance up to 2x annual salary

Paid holidays

No-cost training and re-certification

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services is seeking an Activity Treatment Specialist for the Unaccompanied Minors Program. The role focuses on planning and leading weekly activities, coordinating with Youth Treatment staff, and providing direct care under supervision in a residential setting.

The position requires bilingual English/Spanish communication, a relevant degree or substantial related experience, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience with adolescents with emotional/behavioral disorders preferred.
• Leisure-time activities skills (crafts, sports, camping) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and participate in weekly UC program activities.
• Lead activities when on duty with clear directives and positive role-modeling.
• Coordinate with Youth Treatment staff and supervisors for activity plans.
• Assist in crisis interventions and document progress in treatment records.
• Plan at least one overnight excursion per year.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to program development.
• Support residents’ needs and provide direct care in collaboration with staff.
• Ensure quality assurance compliance related to activities and documentation.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Valid driver’s license

Leisure activities skills

Adolescent behavioral experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field

High School Diploma with two years related experience

Job description

Activity Treatment Specialist (Unaccompanied Minors Program)

The Activity Treatment Specialist is responsible for the implementation of specific Activity Treatment programs in the home.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and participate in activities on a weekly basis for the UC program.
• Responsible for leading planned activities, when on duty, providing residents with clear and understandable directives. Teach and model healthy behavior and interactions patterns during activities.
• Provide directives for Youth Treatment staff during activities or leave directions for Youth Treatment staff to lead activities.
• Under the direction of the Residential Clinician implement interventions, and report on progress for individual client’s treatment programs, as applies to wellness.
• Assess situations quickly and make wise, therapeutic decisions and interventions.
• Teach life skill related classes and/or assist in leading group sessions designed to enhance cooperation and interaction skills of clients.
• Interview residents concerning their leisure interests and skills, and assist them in pursuing these interests.
• Communicate with Youth Treatment Specialists, Supervisor(s), and Clinician(s) concerning all planned activity functions and responsibilities.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of the Summer Activity Programs.
• Plan and lead at least one overnight excursion (backpacking, canoeing) each year.
• Complete Casey Life Skills Assessment as required per individual client.
• Provide direct care and supervision for residents in the home, in cooperation with the Shift Supervisor and Youth Treatment Specialists.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment interventions for youth in the program; this includes the knowledge of and timely use of crisis intervention techniques, and proper completion of all required paperwork (i.e. Safety Logs, Behavior Management Reports, etc.).
• Provide support, encouragement, and role‑modeling for the youth in the home; build meaningful, supportive relationships.
• Observe and monitor resident behaviors and hold residents accountable using creativity and support in the context of established behavior management systems.
• Provide stable, positive mentoring for residents; be able to assume an authoritative role while maintaining a primary helping relationship.
• Assist with other Youth Treatment Specialist tasks as necessary and assigned to provide for the proper functioning of the home.
• Provide immediate, basic first aid and consult medical personnel, if necessary, for any injuries sustained.
• Attend team meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions; facilitate teamwork.
• Attend and participate in weekly Activity Treatment Department team meetings.
• Responsible for timely Quality Assurance compliance as related to employee’s roles and functions.
• Professional Growth and Development:
  • Meet regularly with the Activity Treatment Coordinator concerning program issues and other supervisory matters.
  • Utilize opportunities provided for growth and professional development; this includes ongoing participation in‑service training.
  • Express ideas, suggestions, and concerns in a timely and appropriate manner, using established channels and opportunities to seek resolution.
• Responsible for timely Quality Assurance compliance as related to employee’s roles and functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Bachelor's degree accredited college in recreation therapy, exercise science or relevant field highly preferred.
  • or bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant activity experience preferred.
  • or a High School Diploma with two years of related experience required.
• Prior experience working with adolescents with emotional/behavioral disorders and/or in providing activity treatment services is preferred.
• Possess demonstrated skills in various leisure time activities (i.e. crafts, sports, camping, etc.).
• For transportation purposes, must have a valid driver’s license.
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goal, purpose and objectives of the agency.

Pay Range: $24-26

Hours of Work: 3 weekdays and every other weekend, 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. with 1 of 3 weekdays being a 10‑hour admin day. Hours can vary on admin day.

Benefits

• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match.
• Medical plans with great coverage options.
• Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Legal insurance.
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program.
• Competitive paid time off.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness through PSLF.
• Paid Holidays.
• We also offer a variety of employer paid benefits for full‑time staff.
  • Short term disability.
  • Long term disability.
  • Life insurance up to 2x your annual salary.
• No‑cost, employer paid training and re‑certification provided to staff.
• Wedgwood is proud to offer a full gymnasium with an attached 24‑hr wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment. Wedgwood is happy to provide this space to our staff at no cost.
• Through community partnerships, Wedgwood employees and in some cases family members, are eligible for application and tuition fee discounts for several local colleges and universities.