Youth Treatment Specialist (Full-Time) | Transitional Living Program

wedgwood; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition discounts through community

Job summary

Wedgwood Christian Services in Grand Rapids is seeking a Youth Treatment Specialist for our Audere Program (ages 15–18) in a trauma-informed residential setting. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support youth daily.

You will implement individualized treatment plans, foster a safe therapeutic environment, teach life skills, and use de-escalation and crisis intervention when needed. The role offers evenings and weekend shifts, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits,

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, 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.
• Document and maintain accurate records in alignment with behavioral health standards.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Verbal de-escalation

Crisis intervention

Relationship-building

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)

Psychology

Counseling

Human Services

Child Development

Criminal Justice (youth focus)

Behavioral Health or related field

Job description

Youth Treatment Specialist (Full-Time) – Transitional Living Program

Audere Program | Youth Ages 15-18

Why Wedgwood?

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest mental health and behavioral health problems in West Michigan. We serve children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs.

Join a Trauma-Informed Residential Treatment Team

We are seeking a Youth Treatment Specialist to provide direct care within our residential transitional living program serving adolescents (ages 15-18). Many of the youth in our Audere Program have never experienced consistent support or stability. As a Youth Treatment Specialist, you will show up daily as a stable, caring adult — helping youth build resilience, practice emotional regulation, and envision a future beyond trauma.

If you are passionate about building life skills, trauma-informed care, youth advocacy, and therapeutic mentorship, we invite you to apply.

Schedule:

• 4 weekdays (primarily 2nd shift) and every other weekend (Saturday & Sunday, rotating 1st/2nd shift)
  • 1st shift: 7am–3pm
  • 2nd shift: 3pm–11pm

Compensation:

• $20.50 - $22.50/hour
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous PTO package
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays
• Employer-paid training and re-certification

What You’ll Do

Working alongside our multidisciplinary treatment team, you will:

• Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers
• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model® (safety, emotional intelligence, open communication, and social learning)
• Build consistent, 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
• Support youth in developing life skills, self-worth, and positive identity formation
• Engage in structured recreational and skill-building activities
• Administer medications as assigned and support physical wellness routines
• Document and maintain accurate records in alignment with behavioral health standards
• Transport residents to appointments, school, court, or community activities as needed

Background & Qualifications

Required:

• 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

Preferred Education:

• Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Human Services
• Child Development
• Criminal Justice (youth focus)
• Behavioral Health or related field

Preferred Experience:

• Residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
• Behavioral health or mental health settings
• Juvenile justice or youth-serving programs
• Crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments
• Group homes, inpatient, or community mental health

Benefits Include:

• 403(b) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance (up to 2x salary)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• On-site gymnasium & 24-hour wellness center
• Tuition discounts through community partnerships
• Employee Assistance Program
• Beautiful on-campus walking trail