Good Lives Program Specialist (Full-Time)

Wedgwood Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; 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

Life insurance up to 2x salary

No-cost training and re-certification

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services is seeking a Good Lives Program Specialist (Full-Time) to support boys in care using the Good Lives Model. You will lead GLM programming, run House Meetings, and collaborate with goal workers to tailor goals across domains.

The role requires facilitating groups, training staff, and developing GLM-aligned activities with consistent PIT facilitation and progress tracking, while upholding Sanctuary integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Applicant must be at least 20 years of age.
• Prior experience in residential care required.
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goal, purpose, and objectives of the agency.

Responsibilities

• Lead GLM focused House Meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and foster a sense of community.
• Train and support staff in co-facilitating groups, emphasizing collaborative leadership and safety.
• Develop programming aligned with GLM Goals and create/assess GLM-focused goal reports.
• Act as the designated facilitator for Personal Improvement Time (PIT) and monitor progress and provide feedback.
• Integrate Sanctuary principles into PIT assignments and GLM goals.
• Facilitate program groups and therapeutic initiatives with the specialty intervention team.
• Design and implement off-campus and on-campus programs that promote growth and healing.
• Participate in therapeutic groups and maintain a consistent work schedule.

Skills

GLM knowledge

Group facilitation

Staff training

Collaborative leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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Good Lives Program Specialist (Full-Time)

What you'll do

The Good Lives Model (GLM) Program Specialist supports the growth and development of boys in our care through the Good Lives Model (GLM). This involves facilitating GLM programming, running House Meetings, and collaborating with goal workers to help each boy achieve their personal GLM goals across various domains. This position is an addition to a Shift Supervisor or Youth Treatment Specialist role.

Responsibilities

• Lead GLM focused House Meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and foster a sense of community. Create an agenda that encourages participation and ensures all voices are heard.
• Train and support staff in co-facilitating groups, emphasizing the importance of collaborative leadership and shared responsibility in creating a safe environment.
• Develop programming aligned with GLM Goals: Create and implement skills that correspond to the 8 GLM goals.
• Work closely with goal workers to write and assess GLM-focused goal reports. Ensure that each boy’s progress is documented and that goals are tailored to address their specific needs and deficits.
• Act as the designated facilitator for Personal Improvement Time (PIT), ensuring that programming aligns with individual goals. Monitor progress and provide feedback and support to help boys engage meaningfully in their personal development.
  • Change and adjust PIT programming as needed when growth and progress is monitored.
• Oversee the integration of GLM and Sanctuary principles into PIT assignments, ensuring they are relevant and applicable to each boy’s deficit areas.
• Integrate Sanctuary into everyday unit language and GLM goals.
• In collaboration with the specialty intervention team, facilitate program groups, initiatives, and cooperatives designed to address challenges within the milieu. Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and open communication among the clients.
  • Design and implement therapeutic programs both on and off-campus that promote growth, healing, and community-building. Ensure they are engaging and relevant to the client’s goals.
• Actively participate in and assist with therapeutic groups, helping to implement various topics and activities aimed at fostering personal growth and emotional health.
• Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. The employee must maintain a consistent work schedule and be available during the assigned hours to perform the duties of this role.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule:

• 4 weekdays (primarily 2nd shift) and every other weekend (Saturday & Sunday, rotating 1nd/2nd shift), with 1 admin day per week
  • 1st shift: 7am-3pm
  • 2nd shift: 3pm-11pm

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Applicant must be at least 20 years of age

• Prior experience in residential care required.
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goal, purpose, and objectives of the agency.
• 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