Youth Specialist ILP - Part Time

Bethany Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

403B retirement plan

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services is seeking an Independent Living Plus (ILP) Youth Specialist for weekend shifts (2nd & 3rd) to support refugee youth and foster care program participants. The role emphasizes Christian values, safety, and compassionate care within a multi-disciplinary team.

You will work with residents on daily routines, provide updates, participate in meetings, and may assume Shift Supervisor duties when scheduling requires. Strong communication and cultural sensitivity are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with youth from diverse cultures is preferred.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in activities and encourage positive interaction among residents.
• Attend monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss performance and issues.
• Use nonviolent crisis intervention procedures when needed.
• May perform Shift Supervisor responsibilities to ensure coverage.
• Provide resident updates on level, placement, and goals in team meetings.
• Oversee residents’ daily routines including meals, study time, outings, and bedtime.
• Maintain a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary treatment team and participate in agency events.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Part Time 2nd & 3rd Shift (Weekends Only)

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As an Independent Living Plus (ILP) Youth Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Actively participant in assigned activities and encourage positive interaction and growth amongst the residents;
• Obtain and retain an adequate amount of knowledge pertaining to program, and successfully implement components on the job;
• Attend monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss job performance, and/or issues or concerns;
• Interact professionally and in a caring, consistent manner as outlined in program guidelines;
• Successfully utilize the nonviolent crisis prevention intervention procedures (TCI), when needed;
• May perform Shift Supervisor responsibilities to ensure supervision coverage when scheduling needs arise;
• Provide resident updates during team meetings on but not limited to current level, length of time on that level, date of placement, length of stay, goal attainment, school progress report, think tank or room restriction time, incident reports, assessment of overall functioning, interaction with peers and staff, and recommendation for new or revised treatment goals;
• Oversee the resident(s) daily routines to include mealtime, study time, outings, bedtime, assigned jobs, and other resident activity;
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, including the ability to work night shifts, weekends, and holiday shifts;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college, preferred;
• Bi-lingual - English and Spanish, preferred;
• Prior experience working with youth from diverse cultures, preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Demonstrated temperament to work and care for refugee youth from various cultural backgrounds;
• Must be able to serve as a positive role model;
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and provide structure, support, and respect to others;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• This position requires the availability for night shifts, weekends shifts, and holiday coverage.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Exhibit integrity and good moral character to provide appropriate care;
• Possess the relevant experience and/or qualifications to work with these clients and clients with special needs; and,
• Be properly trained and licensed, as necessary.
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route:
  • TDap or Tdap: Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series completed in childhood, one Tdap dose in adulthood.
  • Results of medical examination (as required by State Licensing, including results of TB tests and immunization records).
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Low-cost health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Matching 403B retirement contributions
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Education reimbursement for master’s degree program in human services
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employee covered long-term disability and term life insurance