Trauma-Informed Care Specialist — Residential Youth

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

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.