Developmental Care Specialist (12 Hour, Weekends Only)

Wedgwood; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO package

Holiday OT pay

Employer-paid training & recert

Beautiful on-campus walking trail

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services seeks a Developmental Care Specialist to join our VanderArk A Program for boys aged 12–17. You’ll provide direct care, implement individualized treatment plans, and support a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model.

Collaborating with therapists and case managers, you’ll use trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation, and relationship-based mentoring to foster resilience and healthy life skills in a structured residential setting.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers.
• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model.
• Build 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.
• Transport residents to appointments, school, court, or community activities as needed.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation

Crisis intervention

Relationship-based

Physical intervention

Education

High school diploma or GED

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Job description

Developmental Care Specialist (Full-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health

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

Why Wedgwood?

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest mental health and behavioral health problems in West Michigan. We serve children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs.

Join a Trauma-Informed Residential Treatment Team

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

• Hours (Full-Time): Friday-Sunday, 12 hour shifts, fixed start-time between 7a-9a

Compensation

• $20.50 - $22.50/hour
• Generous PTO package
• 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) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance (up to 2x salary)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• On-site gymnasium & 24-hour wellness center
• Tuition discounts through community partnerships
• Employee Assistance Program
• Beautiful on-campus walking trail

Mission

Wedgwood Christian Services extends God's love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational services.

Core Values

Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity