Youth Specialist

Description

Job Title: Youth Specialist
Location: Wellspring New Directions - Livonia
Position Type: Full-Time, Afternoon Shift | Hourly | Weekend days required

Wellspring Lutheran Services is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to serving seniors, families and children throughout Michigan. We are currently seeking a Youth Specialist to join our team at our New Directions Residential Campus in Livonia. In this role, you will provide daily care, support, and supervision to youth with developmental disabilities who are part of the foster care system. You will help create a safe, therapeutic, and engaging environment that promotes personal growth and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Provide for the physical, emotional, and social needs of youth in care, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Supervise and guide youth interactions to promote positive, respectful relationships and consistent structure.
• Build therapeutic relationships through patient, compassionate, and consistent communication.
• Engage youth in daily routines, recreational activities, and educational or life-skills programs.
• Implement treatment plans, behavioral support programs, and agency policies with fairness and consistency.
• Serve as a positive role model by displaying professionalism, emotional stability, self-control, and sound judgment.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of treatment goals and plans.
• Document youth activities, incidents, and progress accurately in logs, reports, and electronic records.
• Assist with daily living activities including meals, laundry, cleaning, and personal care routines.
• Transport and supervise youth during appointments, school, work, home visits, and community outings.
• Respond appropriately and therapeutically to incidents of verbal or physical aggression in accordance with training and policy.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to each youth’s individual background, needs, and developmental level.
• Collaborate with team members, families, and supervisors to maintain a positive, trauma-informed care environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Minimum one year of experience working with children in a child care institution, residential setting, or special education environment (required)
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with a clean driving record (required)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays (required)
• Compassionate, patient, and dependable, with a commitment to quality and teamwork

Schedule & Compensation

• Employment type: Full-time - 40 hours per week
• Shift:  Afternoon Shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
• Schedule: 5 days per week
• Weekends: Required, 2 weekend days (Saturday & Sunday), with days off during the week
• Starting pay: $21.63 / hour + afternoon shift premium
• Training/Orientation start date: August 2026*

*Training/Orientation date could change

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and 403(b) Retirement plan + matching
• DailyPay – access your earned wages anytime
• Wellspring SupportLinc – employee assistance program
• Classroom and on-the-job training with ongoing support
• Collaborative, trauma-informed, and strength-based team environment
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of youth and families

Location

Wellspring Lutheran Services
33600 Luther Ln.
Livonia, MI 48154

Join Wellspring and use your compassion and commitment to support youth in achieving their fullest potential. Apply today to be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference.

Full job description provided at in-person interview.