Youth Specialist

Wellspring Lutheran Services • Livonia, MI

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About The Position

Wellspring Lutheran Services is hiring a full-time Youth Specialist for its New Directions residential treatment program. The Youth Specialist works directly with residents in their daily lives, helping maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing, learning, and growth can happen. The role serves as a mentor, role model, coach, advocate, and trusted adult for youth working toward individualized treatment goals.

The position involves building consistent, supportive relationships with youth and helping them develop confidence, life skills, coping skills, and healthy relationships. Daily activities may include helping with schoolwork, sharing meals, participating in recreation, supporting family visits, teaching independent living skills, coaching youth through difficult moments, and recognizing their achievements. The Youth Specialist collaborates with therapists, educators, clinical staff, and families to support each resident’s development and treatment goals.

New Directions serves youth with developmental disabilities and behaviors through therapy, education, recreation, life skills development, family involvement, and individualized support. The position is full-time at 40 hours per week, with afternoon shifts from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays are required. Training/start date is listed as December 2026 and is tentative. The stated hourly pay is $21.63 plus a shift differential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with youth in a residential setting, individuals with disabilities or behaviors, a special education setting, or a related field.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to providing trauma-informed, youth-centered support.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment while maintaining professionalism and positive interactions.
• Patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm during challenging situations.
• Understanding of the importance of structure, consistency, and healthy boundaries.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and value collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with youth and provide encouragement, support, and accountability.
• Help create a safe, positive, structured, and supportive living environment.
• Engage with residents in daily activities, including schoolwork, life-skills instruction, recreation, meals, and conversations.
• Help youth navigate difficult situations, practice coping skills, manage emotions, and work toward individualized treatment goals.
• Collaborate with therapists, educators, clinical staff, and families to support residents’ growth and development.
• Provide structure, stability, consistency, healthy boundaries, and positive role modeling.
• Support family visits and help youth practice independent living skills.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Employee Assistance Program (SupportLinc).
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities within Child & Family Services.
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment.
• Meaningful work that changes lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED