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

Wedgwood Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with employer/

Employee Assistance Program

Pet insurance discount through Nationw

Legal Insurance

Direct deposit

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

Gym and wellness center access

Walking trail on campus

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services seeks a Developmental Care Specialist to support a VanderArk A Program for adolescent boys (ages 12–17) in a residential setting. You will apply trauma-informed practices and ABA-based interventions to build safety, resilience, and healthy behaviors.

You will collaborate with clinicians, implement individualized plans, and mentor youth through structured activities while maintaining thorough documentation and safety standards on campus.

Qualifications

• Background in residential behavioral health and trauma-informed care.
• Experience with ABA-based interventions and behavior management.
• Ability to work with adolescents in a clinical residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized treatment plans with therapists and case managers.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in Sanctuary Model.
• Build mentoring relationships using trauma-informed approaches.
• De-escalate crises and support behavioral regulation.
• Teach life skills and daily living competencies.
• Administer medications as assigned and document records.
• Transport residents to appointments and activities.

Education

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Social Work (BSW)

Psychology

Counseling

Human Services

Child Development

Criminal Justice (youth focus)

Addiction Studies

Behavioral Health

Job description

• Addiction Studies

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

• 3 out of 4 weekends a month (Saturday & Sunday) rotating between 1nd/2nd shift with opportunities to pick up shifts
  • 1st shift: 7am–3pm
  • 2nd shift: 3pm–11pm

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

• 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)
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Human Services
• Child Development
• Criminal Justice (youth focus)
• Addiction Studies
• 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

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance discount through Nationwide
• Legal Insurance
• Direct deposit
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
• Wedgwood is proud to offer a full gymnasium with an attached 24hr wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment. Wedgwood is happy to provide this space to our staff at no cost.
• Walking trail that leads around the beautiful campus.

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

#WCSA