Youth Specialist II, Independent Living Group Home

Samaritas•Grand Rapids, MI

11d•$15

About The Position

Are you calm under pressure, compassionate, and committed to helping young people heal and grow? Join our team as a Youth Specialist in a Staff Supported Housing program for adolescent females transitioning from foster care to independent living. This overnight role is more than just supervision — it’s about creating a safe, stable environment for youth with trauma histories, offering empathy, structure, and support during their most vulnerable hours. What You’ll Do: Provide overnight supervision and emotional support in a trauma-informed setting Respond to crises with empathy and professionalism Maintain a safe, structured environment that promotes healing and independence Document observations and incidents in accordance with program standards Collaborate with a team dedicated to youth empowerment and recovery What We’re Looking For: 🎓 Associate’s degree in human services or 60 college credits or equivalent experience 🚗 Valid driver’s license , reliable transportation, and current auto insurance 💙 Experience or interest in working with youth in high-stress environments 🌙 Availability for overnight shifts (11 PM – 7 AM) Why Join Us? 💵 Starting pay : $15/hour 🎉 Incentives : +$1/hour for weekend or overnight shifts +$2/hour for shifts that qualify as both 🎁 Competitive benefits 🌱 Growth opportunities in youth services and trauma-informed care 🤝 Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact Duties And Responsibilities Provides direct assistance and guidance to youth transitioning between foster care and indepent living in Staff Supported Housing.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services or 60 college credits or equivalent experience
Valid driver’s license
Reliable transportation
Current auto insurance
Experience or interest in working with youth in high-stress environments
Availability for overnight shifts (11 PM – 7 AM)
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
College coursework in social services preferred
Professional training in social work, social services or child development preferred
Valid unrestricted driver’s license with good driving record, proof of current registration and automobile insurance required
Reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting persons served required

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a group home or residential setting preferred
Experience working with youth preferred

Responsibilities

Provide direct assistance and guidance to youth transitioning between foster care and indepent living in Staff Supported Housing.
Serve as a role model to youth in residence by modeling responsible behaviors as required
Provide guidance in daily living skills, including household chores to youth
Monitor activities of youth to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Report non-compliance with home rules to the Case Manager
Maintain communication with youth to ensure adjustment to program expectations
Facilitate and /or participate in “house meetings” to review house rules, plan activities or discuss other needs of house/group
Participate in treatment planning meeting with each youth as needed or requested
Communicate implementation of each youth’s Independent Living Plan with Independent Living Coach, Case Manager and other appropriate parties
Maintain adequate awareness of youth’s activities to ensure the safety of the youth, other residents, staff and the home are maintained
Report safety hazards and needed repairs within home and grounds to designated Case Manager or Supervisor