Residential Social Worker

Wellspring Lutheran Services•Livonia, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Wellspring Lutheran Services is hiring a full-time Residential Social Service Worker for its New Directions program in Livonia. The role supports youth with developmental disabilities and co-occurring emotional and behavioral challenges through trauma-informed residential services. Working as part of an interdisciplinary clinical team, the worker helps youth pursue individual goals, strengthen family connections, address educational challenges, build coping skills, and prepare for greater independence and success. The position advocates for youth and keeps their needs, strengths, and perspectives central to care planning. The work includes building supportive relationships with youth; coordinating with therapists, educators, residential staff, families, schools, and community partners; supporting family engagement; and helping youth through transitions, discharge preparation, and community integration. The worker also provides guidance during difficult moments and contributes to plans that promote safety, emotional regulation, and personal growth. The schedule is primarily day shift with flexibility based on program and resident needs, and work takes place across the residential campus, community, schools, and family settings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human behavioral science field or related area that meets program requirements.
At least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or child welfare populations.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
Ability to work effectively with youth who have experienced emotional and behavioral challenges.
Commitment to trauma-informed, youth-centered care.
Adaptability, organization, and ability to balance multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience collaborating with families, schools, community partners, or treatment teams.
Empathy, respect, and a strong interest in helping youth and families overcome challenges and achieve goals.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with youth and help them develop skills, confidence, and resilience.
Collaborate with therapists, educators, residential staff, families, and community partners to coordinate care around each young person's goals.
Advocate for youth in educational, family, and community settings.
Encourage communication and family engagement, and create opportunities for meaningful family connection.
Support youth through transitions, including discharge preparation, community integration, and long-term stability.
Provide guidance during difficult moments and help youth develop coping strategies.
Contribute to plans supporting safety, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Participate in family team meetings, collaborate with schools, support educational success, and coordinate services.
Participate in treatment team meetings, family meetings, aftercare support, and youth programming activities.