Life Skills/Youth Treatment Specialist (Full-Time)
Wedgwood Christian Services
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
USD 21-23 / hour
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
Life Skills/Youth Treatment Specialist (Audere Program)
What you’ll do
As the Life Skills Specialist in the Audere Program, you’ll work directly with youth to help them build the skills needed to successfully transition into community living. Through structured life skills education, assessments, and individualized support, you’ll guide youth in developing practical abilities related to education, employment, socialization, and independent living.
You’ll facilitate training and group activities focused on topics such as budgeting, banking, job searching, community resources, interpersonal relationships, and public transportation. By helping youth identify goals and build confidence in everyday life skills, you’ll support their preparation for life beyond residential care.
Compensation and Collaboration:
Team members will earn between $21-$23 per hour with a generous benefits package. You’ll work closely with the Home Supervisor and residential team to ensure youth receive consistent support as they build independence and life readiness skills.
Where healing begins.
The youth we serve deserve guidance, encouragement, and practical support as they prepare for their future. As a Life Skills Specialist, you’ll serve as a positive role model while cultivating an environment that promotes high self-esteem and personal growth.
Through life skills training, goal-setting, and connection to community resources, you’ll help youth strengthen their independence and build the tools needed for successful transitions into community settings.
Hours: This full-time role combines Life Skills Specialist responsibilities (16 hours/week) with Youth Treatment Specialist responsibilities (24 hours/week). Every other weekend (Saturday/Sunday) and 4 weekdays (combination of 1st and 2nd shift).
*Please note for current staff: The Life Skills portion (16 hours) of this role can be combined with a current eligible position. Please apply if interested.
Responsibilities:
Life Skills:
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Provide at least four hours of weekly life skills training focused on daily living topics such as budgeting, banking, public transportation, credit maintenance, social and socio-sexual skills, community involvement, etiquette and manners, interpersonal relationships, networking, job searching, and community resources.
- Conduct initial, quarterly, and post assessments on independent living skills for each youth.
- Facilitate life skills activities that build skills necessary for independent living, including conflict resolution, anger management, medication management, and tutoring.
- Provide information and support related to post-secondary education opportunities, including applying for college or vocational school and completing financial aid applications.
- Facilitate group meetings based on approved curriculum and state requirements at least once per week.
- Provide life skills education training to staff as needed.
- Serve as a positive role model and cultivate an environment that promotes high self-esteem.
- Develop and maintain community partnerships and relationships that support life skills development for youth in the program.
General:
- Attend team meetings.
- Express ideas, suggestions, and concerns in a timely and appropriate manner using established channels.
- Ensure timely Quality Assurance compliance related to the role.
- Maintain regular, predictable, and reliable attendance and work schedule.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Meets all qualifications described in the Youth Treatment Specialist job description.
- Bachelor’s degree required, Social Work or relevant field of study preferred.
- Prior experience working with youth in a classroom or life skills setting preferred.
- Subscription to the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goal, purpose, and objectives of the agency.
Benefits:
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
- Medical plans with coverage options
- Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts
- Dental and Vision plans
- Pet insurance
- Legal insurance
- Locally partnered Employee Assistance Program
- Competitive paid time off
- Direct deposit
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness through PSLF
- Paid holidays
- Employer-paid benefits for full-time staff include:
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Life insurance up to 2x annual salary
- Employer-paid training and recertification opportunities
- Staff also have access to Wedgwood’s gymnasium, 24-hour wellness center, and walking trail on campus.
Wedgwood Christian Services
Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to addressing the toughest problems facing children and families through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those we serve.
Mission:
Wedgwood Christian Services extends God's love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational services.
Core Values:
Integrity • Compassion • Excellence • Diversity
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