Youth Specialist, ILP

Bethany Christian Services USA • Grand Rapids, MI

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact. As a Youth Specialist, you’ll walk alongside unaccompanied children as they seek family reunification, older youth preparing for adulthood in a new country, and foster families who give these children a home away from home.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Demonstrated temperament to work and care for refugee youth from various cultural backgrounds;
• Must be able to serve as a positive role model;
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and provide structure, support, and respect to others;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• This position requires the availability for night shifts, weekends shifts, and holiday coverage.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college, preferred;
• Bi-lingual - English and Spanish, preferred;
• Prior experience working with youth from diverse cultures, preferred;

Responsibilities

• Actively participant in assigned activities and encourage positive interaction and growth amongst the residents;
• Obtain and retain an adequate amount of knowledge pertaining to program, and successfully implement components on the job;
• Attend monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss job performance, and/or issues or concerns;
• Interact professionally and in a caring, consistent manner as outlined in program guidelines;
• Successfully utilize the nonviolent crisis prevention intervention procedures (TCI), when needed;
• May perform Shift Supervisor responsibilities to ensure supervision coverage when scheduling needs arise;
• Provide resident updates during team meetings on but not limited to current level, length of time on that level, date of placement, length of stay, goal attainment, school progress report, think tank or room restriction time, incident reports, assessment of overall functioning, interaction with peers and staff, and recommendation for new or revised treatment goals;
• Oversee the resident(s) daily routines to include mealtime, study time, outings, bedtime, assigned jobs, and other resident activity;
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, including the ability to work night shifts, weekends, and holiday shifts;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO YourWay, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED