Weekend Youth Development Specialist

Northwest Passage Ltd•Frederic, WI

5h•Onsite

About The Position

At Northwest Passage, we focus on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements are central to our approach, combining traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've been dedicated to providing high-quality care in a community dedicated in hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for our clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire. Northwest Passage proudly serves individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we are committed to providing an environment where all feel welcomed and supported. Northwest Passage looks to build our team with candidates who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all of our clients, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. At Northwest Passage, you will foster hope through your involvement in the healing process. Guided by the PassageWay Elements, we strive to create a positive environment for growth and wellness for both our clients and staff. The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for providing services to children and adolescents as determined with the interdisciplinary treatment team. The position provides quality youth care and close intensive supervision of clients in a residential treatment setting. This includes a range of residential services, tracking and reporting on residents' treatment progress, and serving as a positive role model for behavior. The Youth Development Specialist position represents one of the central relationships for clients in the constellation of therapeutic activities and life at Northwest Passage.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a social or behavioral science field (e.g. psychology, social work, sociology, education) or equivalent courses and/or relevant experience in a related field
Proven experience working with youth who have significant mental health needs
Demonstrated reliability, with an ability to follow through on commitments and expectations
Strong self-regulation skills to remain calm in stressful situations, and effective self-care strategies to support personal well-being and resiliency
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with others from diverse backgrounds
Enthusiasm for learning and growth, and ability to receive feedback and learn from mistakes
Proven ability to adapt to change
Commitment to serving others and making a difference in the lives of youth
Must be able to work a 40-hour, weekend shift (sleep time included)

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a structured and safe living environment for youth as they participate in assessment/treatment.
Develop, coordinate, and execute programming initiatives.
Provide a nurturing environment with close, intensive supervision for high risk youth in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
Assure residents’ basic needs are met including meals, exercise, hygiene, and sleep.
Assure residents’ emotional needs are met in accordance with the individual treatment or assessment plan.
Recognize and adjust communication to meet residents’ needs. Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
Work with residents to provide solutions for problematic behaviors.
Document program activities, residents’ behaviors and program participation, and significant incidents involving residents.
Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
Maintain a clean and safe environment.
Understand and follow agency policies.
Maintain an understanding of mental health concepts, psychotropic medications, and client symptomology.
Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.

Benefits

$21.00-$28.00/hour wage
Health Insurance (no deductible)
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
403(b) Retirement Savings with Discretionary Employer Match
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
Voluntary Supplemental Health Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
Employee Assistance Program (mental health benefit)
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs)
Longevity Benefit
Relocation Assistance
Off-Site Housing ($500/month rent), dependent on availability
Northwest Passage us a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for student loan forgiveness
Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming