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Youth Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Coordinator, Youth Programming

Dearborn, MI

$18.25 - $24/hr

They drive ACCESSs national youth engagement strategy, especially for CAAP, by creating and managing content to involve participants. The role supports positive youth development in a safe, inclusive ...

Coordinator, Youth Programming

Dearborn, MI

$18.25 - $24/hr

They drive ACCESS's national youth engagement strategy, especially for CAAP, by creating and managing content to involve participants. The role supports positive youth development in a safe ...

Coordinator, Youth Programming

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

They drive ACCESS's national youth engagement strategy, especially for CAAP, by creating and managing content to involve participants. The role supports positive youth development in a safe ...

Case Manager

Port Huron, MI ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Experience and knowledge of youth development, experience in advocacy and case management and experience in working with youth is desired. Job Duties: The position requires a positive youth ...

Youth Specialist

Ypsilanti, MI ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Experience managing crisis situations * Knowledge of Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care practices (preferred) KNOWLEDGE amp; SKILLS * Knowledge of office management ...

Case Manager

Port Huron, MI ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Experience and knowledge of youth development, experience in advocacy and case management and experience in working with youth is desired. Job Duties: The position requires a positive youth ...

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Youth Development Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$70.3K

$137.3K

How much do youth development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth development manager in Michigan is $70,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development manager?

To thrive as a Youth Development Manager, you need a background in youth services, education or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with case management software, data tracking systems, and youth engagement platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with youth and coordinate with families and partner organizations. These competencies ensure effective program delivery, positive youth outcomes, and a safe, supportive environment.

What does a youth development manager do?

A Youth Development Manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing programs that support the personal, social, and educational growth of young people. They work with schools, community organizations, and families to create safe and engaging environments where youth can develop leadership skills, build confidence, and achieve their goals. This role often involves supervising staff, managing budgets, and evaluating program effectiveness to ensure positive outcomes for participants. Youth Development Managers also advocate for youth needs and collaborate with other agencies to expand opportunities for young people.

What are some common challenges faced by a youth development manager and how can they be addressed?

Youth Development Managers often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of young people, managing limited resources, and balancing administrative duties with direct program involvement. Success in this role typically requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving to ensure programs remain effective and inclusive. Collaborating closely with educators, community partners, and families can help address these challenges, foster a supportive environment, and lead to more impactful youth outcomes.

What is the difference between Youth Development Manager vs Youth Program Coordinator?

AspectYouth Development ManagerYouth Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social work, education, or related field; experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in youth activities or community programs
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages programs, oversees staff and budgetsAssists in program implementation, supports activities, and interacts directly with youth
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, community centers, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, youth clubs, recreational centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in youth programsLearning about entry-level or support roles in youth services

The Youth Development Manager typically holds a leadership role, overseeing youth programs and staff, requiring relevant degrees and experience. The Youth Program Coordinator usually supports program activities directly, often with less formal education. Both roles are vital in youth services but differ in responsibilities and seniority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Youth Development Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Youth Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Youth Development Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,289 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Youth Development Specialist

D.A. Blodgett

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

$21/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Youth Development Specialist

Department & Division: Campus Programs

Reports To: Campus Programs Supervisor

Beginning Pay Range: $21.00 an hour

Classification: Full Time, Part Time, or Per Diem, Hourly, Non-Exempt.

D.A. Blodgett- St. John's

D.A. Blodgett- St. John's provides a continuum of care with comprehensive services, including counseling, foster care, adoption, mentoring and residential care. These programs are built on our core belief, backed by research, that as long as children can be safe, they do best when they are with their families. D.A. Blodgett- St. John's primarily serves children, youth and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, and some programming throughout the State of Michigan. D.A. Blodgett- St. John's is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all children, all families and all individuals.

MISSION STATEMENT: To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.


VISION: A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.


VALUES:

  • Exceptional Service: Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
  • Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
  • Excellence: Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
  • Integrity: Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
  • Creativity: Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
  • Passion: Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.

SANCTUARY COMMITMENTS:

  • Nonviolence: Maintaining safety for all members of the community.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions so we don't hurt ourselves or others.
  • Social Learning: Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
  • Democracy: Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
  • Open Communication: Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
  • Social Responsibility: Say what you mean, don't be mean when you say it.
  • Growth & Change: Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Specialist is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to youth and young adults within our Campus Programs division, which includes our Independent Living program and our Residential programs. The scope of this development responsibility is quite broad. At times, the development specialist takes on a parental role, addressing the basic needs of the youth. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that each child is healthy and safe, adequately clothed and fed and that their living space is clean and orderly.


In addition to these responsibilities, the development specialist is expected to offer praise and

encouragement to the youth. They must also respond appropriately and therapeutically to challenging

behaviors that may arise. The development specialist typically achieves these objectives through verbal

de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement, guidance, and supportive direction.


At times, the development specialist takes on the role of a mentor, guiding youth in areas such as social

skills, coping skills, hygiene, basic values, spirituality, and education. The development specialist acts as a

trusted and patient adult, engaging in discussions about a young person's personal life, emotions, and

perspectives on the world.


DABSJ places a strong emphasis on building relationships between staff and youth. We believe that all

effective support efforts start with warm, caring, and meaningful connections. It is the responsibility of

the development specialist to develop these therapeutic relationships with youth, using the rapport

established to foster and encourage personal growth.


The development specialist is expected to work effectively and harmoniously as part of one or more

teams within the agency. Specific work responsibilities and schedules may vary based on team

assignments and the programs they are involved in.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Developing and Maintaining nurturing and sound relationships with all youth, including maintenance of clear roles and boundaries
  • Ensuring the supervision, health, and safety of youth
  • Promoting a safe, therapeutic environment
  • Learning and consistently abiding to all DABSJ, group, and individual treatment programs
  • Effectively following and implementing Collaborative Problem Solving
  • Fully participating in a treatment team(s), learning from others, and allowing others to learn from your
  • Providing positive, mature, adult role modeling for youth at all times
  • Providing effective written records and communication as required by the program
  • Partnering with youth to promote the security, safety, and cleanliness of the campus
  • Attending and completing all required DABSJ training sessions
  • Planning, organizing, and effectively conducting therapeutic activities and recreational programs for youth
  • Dispensing medications according to established schedules and procedures
  • Assisting designated team lead in any necessary meal preparation and cooking with the homes
  • Conduct yourself in a manner that positively reflects upon DABSJ in the community both on and off duty
  • Abiding by all policies and practices at DABSJ
  • Completing other reasonable assignments, which may be made by any supervisor

Supervision Received: Specific Direction - Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED required by the state licensing authority. Agency prefers completed college courses in a field related to the helping profession
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record
  • A year of experience working with and/or volunteering with children
  • Experience working with adolescents who have emotional and behavioral challenges is strongly preferred.
  • Good written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a variety of people both within and outside DABSJ
  • Promote a positive image for DABSJ in the community and in relationship with other Agencies and their personnel.
  • Become familiar with and follow the code of ethics for your profession and agree to abide by the related DABSJ standards.
  • Possess an understanding and sensitivity to the adolescent's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics with personal qualities of warmth with the ability to establish meaningful relationships with people from various cultures.
  • Positive acceptance of supervision to learn and be trained in job-related functions.
  • Personal qualities of organizational skills, assertiveness, good judgment, conscientiousness, attention to detail and timeliness.
  • Good health and physical condition. Free of communicable diseases.
  • A personal commitment to DABSJ's mission, philosophy, and values.
  • High frustration tolerance level

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Problem Solving: Ability to recognize courses of action to handle problems, gathering and organizing information, identifying cause and effect relationships, and applying contingency plans to solve those problems.
  • Integrity: Ability to adhere to organization policies and procedures, acting in a fair and just manner while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Team Work: Effectively interacts with people by being able to share and receive information that supports team goals.
  • Communication: Ability to effectively receive and express ideas, both written and verbal; using clear and concise vocabulary and active listening skills. Ability to communicate with small and large groups and ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.
  • Decision Making: Ability to select and commit to an effective course of action by understanding issues, comparing solutions, and drawing conclusions to resolve problems.
  • Motivation: Ability to inspire and encourage others to reach a goal; maintaining a high level of productivity and self-direction.
  • Working Under Pressure: Abilit to maintain composure when exposed to stress.
  • Reliability: Ability to be dependable, trustworthy, and committed to doing the best job possible and complete work in a timely consistent manner.
  • Cultural Responsiveness: Ability to recognize, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of care.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Work Environment: Ability to bend, reach, kneel, or engage in light physical tasks as part of daily responsibilities.
  • Mobility and Movement: Ability to move throughout campus for extended periods, including walking, standing and transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Physical: ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 40 pounds occasionally during a shift.
  • Respond promptly and safely in a crisis situation which maybe involve quick movement, positioning or guiding a youth to a safe area.
  • Communication: Ability to use verbal communication effectively, including calm, clear, and supportive dialogue during both routine interactions and moments of heightened emotion.
  • Ability to sustain attention and emotional regulation during challenging or unpredictable situations. And maintain awareness of surroundings and respond appropriately to safety concerns.
  • Travel: Ability to safely operate a company vehicle to transport youth to various activities and maintain a valid driver's license to meet agency driving eligibility requirements, including an acceptable driving record.
  • Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in environments with varying levels of noise, activity, or interruptions, and to adapt to changing priorities or urgent situations.
  • Reasonable Accommodations: All physical and environmental requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodation.


DABSJ strives to be a fully inclusive organization as we support a diverse group of children and families. We are building a diverse team that represents our customers and our community and recognize that each of us brings a unique per