Youth Development Specialist - Part-Time

Northwest Passage Ltd•Frederic, WI

About The Position

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. Shift hours vary depending on scheduling needs.

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 working with youth who have significant mental health needs
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

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.