Youth Specialist

Hello! Thank you for your interest in joining the Wellspring team as a full time Residential Youth Specialist. As a statewide nonprofit serving families in need of support, we take a whole-person approach to our organization and delivery of our services -- because we believe we must find the strengths in people and build on these for lasting change to occur.

As a youth specialist, youll be part of a team that is committed to delivering exceptional services to youth at our Wellspring New Directions residential campus in Farmington Hills. You will bring a high school diploma or equivalent and one year related experience in working with children in a child care institution or special education setting. You will also be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and holidays and you will have a valid drivers license, with a clean driving record.

As a youth specialist, you will:

• Provide for the needs of youth who have developmental disabilities and are part of the foster care system.
• Guide youth interactions to promote positive, respectful relationships while providing constant visual supervision of residents and maintaining a climate in which residents feel safe and secure.
• Develop therapeutic relationships and re-direct behavior patiently, consistently, and in accordance with agency practices and treatment philosophy.
• Communicate, engage and positively interact with youth throughout the shift (standing/walking the unit).
• Function as adult role model displaying professionalism, emotional stability, self-control and good judgment with residents.
• Contribute to development of treatment plans, individual contracts, and group living objectives for youth by attending team meetings and contributing relevant insights and observations. Implement treatment plans and the New Directions social learning program, policies and procedures consistently and fairly.
• Prepare required written reports regarding youth activity; learn and implement behavioral point level system; complete all logs, charts, incident reports and required documentation in writing and on computer.
• Assist with meal time, laundry, cleaning the unit, caring for clothing of youth and maintenance of other needs relevant to group living.
• Transport residents to and supervise appropriately in work, school, home visits, medical appointments and recreational activities.
• Actively participate in and supervise children during daily living activities, special outings, recreation, or educational programs. Develop and participate in craft projects, recreational activities, religious experiences (under agency guidelines), hygiene, personal manners, etc.
• Respond in a relevant and appropriate physical manner to incidents of verbal and/or physical aggression.
• Be familiar with individual resident histories and current needs and conduct treatment activities that are consistent with individual developmental levels, as well as overall treatment program design.
• Exhibit respect and cooperation in interactions with residents, families, co-workers, guests and supervisors.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to individual youths feelings while exercising appropriate therapeutic control within the center. Maintain consistent structure and routine in order to reduce residents anxieties.

Why Choose Wellspring?You may be wondering why Wellspring would be a good option for you. Here are some of the benefits to being part of the New Directions team at Wellspring:

• You'll be a part of a dedicated and caring multidisciplinary team of therapists, nurses, education specialists, psychiatrists, behavioral analysts that have a strong reputation within the local community and the state of Michigan
• You'll have training and support as needed
• You'll be on a team that is focused on non-coercive, strength-based and trauma-informed care
• Your starting pay will be$21.00 / hour
• You'll be working Full Time,Afternoon shift (3p-11p)and have the opportunity work, Midnight Shift.
• Weekend availability is required.
• You'll be able to enroll into Wellspring benefits such as Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 403B Retirement Plans, PTO and Paid Holidays
• You'll have the flexibility to be paid on demand with DailyPay
• You'll have access to Wellspring SupportLinc, which is an employee assistance plan
• Training for this position will begin in May 2024.

Your reporting location will be:
Wellspring Lutheran Services - New Directions
28000 W Nine Mile Rd
Farmington Hills, MI

Full Job Description Available at the Interview.

We’ve been serving people since 1893. Since that time, we’ve walked alongside generations of people of all ages and walks of life. We’ve built more than a deep history. We’ve built a legacy of trust across Michigan. Through that trust, we have adapted to a world that is constantly changing. We’ve rethought and restructured our core competencies to ensure we never lose sight of our own purpose of sharing hope when circumstances may not feel hopeful. We do that one person at a time, which impacts one family at a time. And in turn, that has the power to transform one community at a time.

Vision:
Changed lives. Strong families. Transformed communities.
Mission:
Motivated by Christ's love, we engage people as they experience and embrace their God-given potential.
Values:
Our values are the things we must live out — things we must not only believe, but also be. These values help direct our actions and drive our behavior.