Employment Training Program Specialist (Full-Time)

Wedgwood Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 57,308,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Medical plans with great coverage

Free supplemental virtual PCP care

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Dental and vision plans

Legal insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive time off

PSLF eligible

Employer-paid training

Gym and wellness center access

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services is looking for an Employment Training Program Specialist to mentor youth aged 15-18 in residential homes and the community. You’ll help develop hands-on skills like resume writing, customer service, lawn care, wood working, and more. Hours vary 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday, and alternating Saturdays.

Starting pay is $18–$20 per hour with a robust benefits package and a collaborative team focused on brighter futures for youth in West Michigan.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required.
• Applicant must be at least 20 years of age.
• Prior experience working with adolescents and/or supervisory or teaching experience is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Lawn care experience preferred.
• Woodshop/carpentry experience is preferred.
• The ability to lift at least 50 lbs. of stationary weight is required.
• The ability to bend, twist, stoop and bear weight of materials is required.
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goals, purposes, and objectives of the agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in proper work habits by mentoring and problem-solving with kids regarding employability skills/behaviors.
• Serve as a role model, both in word and deed, demonstrating proper work habits.
• Develop understanding and apply multiple disciplines in ETP programs (e.g., janitorial, landscaping, wood working).
• Provide ongoing feedback to workers and daily assessments.
• Ensure a safe work environment and address behavioral issues with input from the team.
• Participate in program development and new programming to increase ETP viability.
• Complete all required daily observation notes and update paperwork accordingly.
• Work in all weather conditions and adjust shifts as needed.
• Attend supervision and team meetings for idea-sharing and planning.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Wedgwood 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Medical plans with comprehensive coverage.
• Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Dental and vision plans; legal insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Competitive time off; PSLF loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Employer-paid training and recertification; gym and wellness center access.

Skills

Youth mentoring

Supervisory experience

Teaching experience

Work readiness coaching

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Career Opportunities with Wedgwood Christian Services

Careers At Wedgwood Christian Services

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Employment Training Program Specialist (Full-Time)

Employment Training Program (ETP) Specialist- Full-time

Working in our Employment Training Program, you will be serving youth who live in one of Wedgwood's 10 residential homes, as well as youth in the community. You'll mentor youth ages 15-18, while helping them develop various hands‑on and vocational skills in preparation for joining the workforce. Some of these skills include, but are not limited to: resume building/interview skills, customer service, lawn care/landscaping, wood working, car detailing, small engine repair, janitorial skills, sewing, etc.

Hours: Shift times vary between 9am-8pm Monday-Friday, and every other Saturday.

We’re starting team members $18-20 per hour with a generous benefits package. You’ll join a passionate, purposeful, and collaborative team who is committed to doing what it takes to give youth a brighter future.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma is required
• Applicant must be at least 20 years of age
• Prior experience working with adolescents and or prior supervisory or teaching experience is preferred
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Lawn care experience preferred
• Woodshop/carpentry experience is preferred
• The ability to lift at least 50 lbs. of stationary weight is required
• The ability to bend, twist, stoop and bear weight of materials is required
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goals, purposes, and objectives of the agency.

Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction in proper work habits by mentoring and problem-solving with kids regarding maintaining employability skills/behaviors.
• Serve as a role model, both in word and deed, demonstrating proper work habits.
• Develop a universal understanding and application of multiple disciplines throughout the program by providing instruction in various work skills and procedures. The specific areas will be identified by work availability and program need, and could include: janitorial, landscaping or ground maintenance, furniture repair, wood working, and others. This includes teaching and supervising ETP clients while using power tools and other equipment.
• Provide ongoing feedback to workers and an accurate daily assessment through worker
• Assure a safe work environment by providing supervision and dealing appropriately with behavioral problems as they occur, seeking input or assistance from treatment team members as necessary. Assess clients ability to participate and in what capacity (i.e. safety with tools, behavioral issues, etc.)
• Participate in program development and evaluation by developing creative approaches and new programming to increase ETP’s viability.
• Complete all required daily observation notes in a timely fashion, including recording discipline, attendance and tracking. Update paperwork and programming to track progression of clients/customers as necessary while maintaining accurate customer billing and proper customer service via person, phone or email.
• Work in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold and rain). When the weather is too severe there is the chance of canceling shifts and rescheduling for good weather days.
• Regular participation in supervision meetings and team meetings for the sharing of ideas, feedback and department planning.
• Other duties as assigned.
• 403(b) 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
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive 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 has full gymnasium and state-of-the art 24-hour wellness center filled with a wide variety of workout equipment, available to staff at no cost.
• Walking trail that leads around the beautiful campus.
• 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.

Wedgwood Christian Services

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing children and families through residential care, counseling services and community programs. Leaning on our faith and core values of integrity, compassion, excellence, and diversity, we tackle the crucial work of supporting and restoring the wellbeing of all those who call West Michigan home.

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