Job Title: Youth Development Specialist
Department & Division: Campus Programs
Reports To: Campus Programs Supervisor
Beginning Pay Range: $21.00 an hour
Classification: Full Time, Part Time, or Per Diem, Hourly, Non-Exempt.
D.A. Blodgett- St. John’sD.A. Blodgett - St. John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a comprehensive continuum of care, including, but not limited to; counseling, family preservation, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. Guided by the belief that children thrive best with their families whenever safety can be ensured, the organization delivers compassionate, evidence-based services designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term success. Primarily serving children, youth, and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, with select programs reaching communities across Michigan, D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is committed to creating brighter futures through prevention, intervention, and lifelong support. Rooted in dignity, equity, and belonging, the organization is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all children, all families, and all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.
Mission Statement: To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.
Vision: A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.
Values:
- Exceptional Service: Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
- Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
- Excellence: Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
- Integrity: Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
- Creativity: Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
- Passion: Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.
Sanctuary & Culture Commitments:
- Nonviolence: Maintaining safety for all members of the community.
- Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions so we don’t hurt ourselves or others.
- Social Learning: Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
- Democracy: Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
- Open Communication: Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
- Social Responsibility: Say what you mean, don’t be mean when you say it.
- Growth & Change: Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.
- Cultural Humility: We approach difference with openness, curiosity, and an ongoing commitment to learning.?
- Trauma-Responsive Practices: We recognize the impact of trauma and work to minimize harm, promote agency and support healing.?
- Identity Safety: We honor and respect the intersecting identities people hold, and we work to prevent identity-harm or discrimination.?
- Anti-Racism: We work actively to recognize and interrupt bias, discrimination, and systemic inequities in our work and interactions.?
Position Summary:
The Development Specialist is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to youth and young adults within our Campus Programs division, which includes our Independent Living program and our Residential programs. The scope of this development responsibility is quite broad. At times, the development specialist takes on a parental role, addressing the basic needs of the youth. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that each child is healthy and safe, adequately clothed and fed and that their living space is clean and orderly.
In addition to these responsibilities, the development specialist is expected to offer praise and encouragement to the youth. They must also respond appropriately and therapeutically to challenging behaviors that may arise. The development specialist typically achieves these objectives through verbal de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement, guidance and supportive direction.
At times, the development specialist takes on the role of a mentor, guiding youth in areas such as social skills, coping skills, hygiene, basic values, spirituality, and education. The development Specialist acts as a trusted and patient adult, engaging in discussions about a young person’s personal life, emotions, and perspectives on the world.
DABSJ places a strong emphasis on building relationships between staff and youth. We believe that all effective support efforts start with warm, caring, and meaningful connections. It is the responsibility of the development specialist to develop these therapeutic relationships with youth, using the rapport established to foster and encourage personal growth.
The development specialist is expected to work effectively and harmoniously as part of one or more teams within the agency. Specific work responsibilities and schedules may vary based on team assignments and the programs they are involved in.
Essential Responsibilities
- Developing and Maintaining nurturing and sound relationships with all youth, including maintenance of clear roles and boundaries
- Ensuring the supervision, health, and safety of youth
- Promoting a safe, therapeutic environment
- Learning and consistently abiding to all DABSJ, group, and individual treatment programs
- Effectively following and implementing Collaborative Problem Solving
- Fully participating in a treatment team(s), learning from others, and allowing others to learn from your
- Providing positive, mature, adult role modeling for youth at all times
- Providing effective written records and communication as required by the program
- Partnering with youth to promote the security, safety, and cleanliness of the campus
- Attending and completing all required DABSJ training sessions
- Planning, organizing, and effectively conducting therapeutic activities and recreational programs for youth
- Dispensing medications according to established schedules and procedures
- Assisting designated team lead in any necessary meal preparation and cooking with the homes
- Conduct yourself in a manner that positively reflects upon DABSJ in the community both on and off duty
- Abiding by all policies and practices at DABSJ
- Completing other reasonable assignments, which may be made by any supervisor
Supervision Received: Specific Direction – Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to immediate supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required by the state licensing authority. Agency prefers completed college courses in a field related to the helping profession
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record
- A year of experience working with and/or volunteering with children
- Experience working with adolescents who have emotional and behavioral challenges is strongly preferred.
- Good written communication skills.
- Ability to work with a variety of people both within and outside DABSJ
- Promote a positive image for DABSJ in the community and in relationship with other Agencies and their personnel.
- Become familiar with and follow the code of ethics for your profession and agree to abide by the related DABSJ standards.
- Possess an understanding and sensitivity
