Developmental Care Specialist (12 Hour, Weekends Only)

Wedgwood Christian Services

Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site

USD 43,000 - 47,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services in West Michigan is seeking a Developmental Care Specialist to provide direct care within our VanderArk A Program for adolescent boys (ages 12–17). You will help youth build resilience, practice emotional regulation, and envision a future beyond trauma within a trauma-informed residential setting.

Join a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans, apply the Sanctuary Model, and support life skills, healthy communication, and positive identity

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® (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.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Verbal de-escalation

Mentoring

Youth advocacy

Emotional regulation support

Behavioral health knowledge

Education

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Social Work (BSW)

Counseling

Human Services

Child Development

Criminal Justice (youth focus)

Behavioral Health

Job description

Career Opportunities with Wedgwood Christian Services

Careers At Wedgwood Christian Services

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Subscribe to our RSS feeds to receive instant updates as new positions become available.

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.

Schedul

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