Youth Specialist

Requisition #: req10168

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Youth Specialist, you will develop therapeutic, professional relationships with youth in the long-term residential treatment program. You will be primarily responsible for mentoring youth in the program, while providing supervision, maintaining safety, and coordinating the daily schedule. Working within the context of a team and communicating effectively with co-workers is essential. This role will ensure that residents' developmental needs are met within a supportive environment that enhances their ability to meet their treatment goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in activities and encourage positive interaction between the youth;
• Provide a consistent, caring presence while coaching and mentoring residents who have significant emotional needs;
• Oversee youth daily routines to including meal times, outings, bedtime, assigned jobs, and other residential activities;
• Provide advocacy at staff meetings by updating the team on information related to current progress toward goals and recommendations for new or revised treatment goals;
• Attend scheduled trainings pertaining to youth with sexual offenses, and implement learning components within the program;
• Utilize Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) strategies to quickly and effectively intervene in crisis situations, while maintaining a calm, controlled, and caring approach;
• Attend bi-monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss professional growth, performance, and concerns;
• Complete all required documentation including passing medication, goals, daily logs, and bed checks.
• Complete other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Must be at least 21 years of age to operate a vehicle on behalf of the agency;
• Prior experience working with individuals with sexual disorders, preferred;
• 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;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Demonstrated temperament to work and care for special needs youth who may have present sexual disorders in a residential setting;
• Have the ability to serve as 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;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license;
• Maintain a reliable automobile with 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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment.

We value and embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; our culture is strengthened and our workplace is more dynamic. We are a global organization with multicultural staff, clients and stakeholders, so we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. More work remains, but we are deeply committed to honestly acknowledging and addressing the impacts of race and racism throughout the organization. This work can be uncomfortable and even painful, but we believe that the greatest challenges bear the greatest rewards.