Youth Specialist I, Contingent Flex - Lansing, MI

Samaritas; Grand Ledge (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Samaritas in Lansing, Michigan is seeking a Youth Specialist I for Refugee Services to provide direct supervision and daily support in a structured residential setting. You will help youth feel safe, supported, and empowered as they navigate new beginnings in a caring, family-like environment.

This non-driving role emphasizes trauma-informed care, crisis prevention, and collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and teachers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least one year of experience with youth or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide daily supervision, structure, and positive engagement
• Build trusting relationships that support emotional well-being and resilience
• Create a safe, respectful, and family-like environment
• Facilitate recreational, educational, and life-skills activities
• Assist youth with routines including meals, hygiene, chores, and activities
• Support skill-building related to independence and personal growth
• Follow program expectations, behavior plans, and structured routines
• Implement de-escalation strategies and crisis prevention techniques
• Complete accurate shift notes and incident reports
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with licensing and program standards
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding youth needs
• Work closely with case managers, clinicians, teachers, and program staff
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to youth care planning
• Model professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care

Job description

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Now Hiring: Youth Specialist I - Refugee Services (Non-Driving Role)

Location: Lansing, Michigan
Status: Contingent Flex
Wage: $15/hour
Schedule: Wednesdays 3p-11p + other varied shifts as needed

Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugee youth? As a Youth Specialist I, you'll provide hand-on support in a residential setting-helping young people feel safe, supported, and empowered as they navigate new beginnings.

This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to be a stabilizing, positive force for youth who have experienced displacement, trauma, and significant life transitions.

As a Youth Specialist - Refugee Services, you will provide direct supervision, mentorship, and daily support to youth in a structured residential environment. You'll help create a safe, inclusive, and family-like atmosphere where youth can grow, adjust, and thrive.

This is a non-driving role - no transportation responsibilities required.

What You'll Do

Youth Support & Engagement

• Provide daily supervision, structure, and positive engagement
• Build trusting relationships that support emotional well-being and resilience
• Create a safe, respectful, and family-like environment
• Facilitate recreational, educational, and life-skills activities

Daily Living & Program Support

• Assist youth with routines including meals, hygiene, chores, and activities
• Support skill-building related to independence and personal growth
• Follow program expectations, behavior plans, and structured routines
• Implement de-escalation strategies and crisis prevention techniques

Safety & Supervision

• Ensure a safe and structured environment through active supervision and regular checks
• Monitor youth behavior and respond appropriately to ensure well-being
• Support medication monitoring (as trained, if required by program)

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate and timely documentation including shift notes and incident reports
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with licensing and program standards
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding youth needs
• Work closely with case managers, clinicians, teachers, and program staff
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to youth care planning
• Model professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care

What We're Looking For

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

• At least one year of experience working with youth or vulnerable populations (preferred)
• Experience in residential care, refugee services, mental health, or community programs is a plus

Skills & Qualifications

• Passion for working with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ability to provide structured, supportive supervision
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Understanding (or willingness to learn) trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification
• Ability to meet immunization/vaccine requirements

Working Conditions

• Active, hands-on role requiring continuous engagement with youth
• Ability to respond quickly in crisis situations
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and remain active throughout shifts

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Consistent, accurate documentation and reporting
• Safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth
• Youth who feel respected, supported, and empowered
• Strong collaboration with team members and program staff

Why Samaritas?

Make a direct impact on the lives of refugee youth
Be part of a mission-driven, compassionate organization
Gain valuable experience in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
Grow your career in human services

#childwelfare #refugeeservices #youthdevelopment #humanservices #residentialcare #mentor