UC Program Youth Treatment Specialist (PT)

Wedgwood Christian Services • Grand Rapids, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Baraka Unaccompanied Children (UC) Home's Long-Term Foster Care program offers a safe and welcoming environment for adolescent boys, primarily from Latin American and African countries. Staff in this program have the unique opportunity to support young people during a significant transition period, providing consistency, encouragement, connection, and a secure space where they can feel valued as they build towards their future. The Youth Treatment Specialist is responsible for the daily care, counseling, and supervision of adolescents within this residential treatment program. They play a key role in overseeing individual resident treatment plans and managing the daily operations of the residential unit.

Requirements

• English speaking required
• Must be 21 years of age
• A high school diploma or equivalent required
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Federally funded program requiring the following vaccinations: Varicella: two doses of varicella vaccine (at least 4 weeks apart) OR born in the United States before 1980 with a reported history of chickenpox (verified by an adult present at the time of illness) OR titers indicating varicella immunity OR documentation from healthcare provider verifying previous infection.
• MMR: Two doses of MMR vaccine (at least 4 weeks apart) OR titers indicating immunity to all three diseases (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• DTaP or DTap Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series completed in childhood, one DTaP dose in adulthood.
• Influenza: Single dose annually during flu season.
• Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goal, purpose, and objectives of the agency.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish speaking preferred
• Additional education and/or certification in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field preferred
• Prior experience supervising adolescents with emotional/behavioral disorders preferred

Responsibilities

• Strive to create a therapeutic milieu: an environment marked by warmth, empathy and respect.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of client treatment programs; facilitate, and support all programs, including therapy, employment training, activities, school, transportation, etc.
• Observe and monitor client behaviors and hold residents accountable using the established agency interventions.
• Serve as a teacher, supporter, and role model in daily interactions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and timely use of non-violent, physical crisis intervention techniques (Aegis) to physically manage residents who are in danger of harming themselves or others. Including the completion of required reports.
• Provide a stable, positive role model for residents; be able to assume an authoritative role while maintaining a primary helping relationship with residents.
• Respect others and understand their needs and feelings, regardless of race, social, ethnic, and religious background; have an attitude and aptitude for providing nurturance, being patient, and accepting others.
• Oversee general health and wellness of clients, including assisting with meals, physical activities, clothing/ personal hygiene supplies, medical, dental, vision, and hygiene care; provide first aid or CPR if required; schedule appointments as assigned.
• Dispense medications at prescribed intervals as assigned.
• Transport residents to scheduled appointments, activities, work, meetings, etc. as needed.
• Maintain neat, accurate records and reports of all activities carried out in the management of the residential program.
• Support the maintenance of a clean, orderly home; supervise and participate with residents in completing assigned duties and meeting defined housekeeping standards.
• Report all personal and physical property damage to appropriate administrative personnel using established reports and procedures.
• Regular participation in supervision meetings and team meetings for the sharing of ideas, feedback and department planning.
• Seek and solicit feedback.
• Provide feedback to the Supervisor for staff evaluations.
• Responsible for timely Quality Assurance compliance as related to employee�s roles and functions.
• Observe professional confidentiality at all times: protect the rights of residents and their families and abide within the guidelines of the agency Confidentiality Policy.
• Other duties as assigned coordinated with the home supervisor, assistant supervisor, or shift supervisor.

Benefits

• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Direct deposit
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness through PSLF
• No-cost, employer paid training and re-certification provided to staff
• A full gymnasium with an attached 24hr wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment.
• Through community partnerships, Wedgwood employees and in some cases family members, are eligible for application and tuition fee discounts for several local colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

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