Education Specialist Aide (Full-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health
Wedgwood Christian Services
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
USD 21-23 / hour
Posted on Apr 27, 2026
Education Specialist Aide (Full-Time) – Residential Behavioral Health
Boelkins Program | Youth Ages 10-16
Why Wedgwood?
Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest mental health and behavioral health problems in West Michigan. We serve children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs.
Join a Trauma-Informed Residential Treatment Team
We are seeking an Education Specialist Aide to support both the educational and residential components of care within our Boelkins Program serving youth ages 10–16. Many of the youth we serve have experienced disruptions in education alongside significant trauma and instability.
In this role, you will help bridge the gap between the classroom and residential environment—supporting academic engagement, reinforcing positive behaviors, and ensuring continuity of care throughout the day. You’ll serve as a consistent, supportive presence, helping youth build confidence, develop skills, and experience success both academically and socially.
If you are passionate about behavioral health, education support, trauma-informed care, and youth development, we invite you to apply.
Schedule:
- Monday - Thursday (7am-3pm) and every other weekend, rotating 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm.
Compensation:
- $21.00 - $23.00/hour
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Generous PTO package
- Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays
- Employer-paid training and re-certification
What You’ll Do
Working alongside our multidisciplinary treatment and education team, you will:
- Support youth in preparing for and attending school on time
- Provide classroom assistance in collaboration with teachers to support academic success
- Encourage student participation, engagement, and completion of school tasks
- Assist with academic support in core subject areas as directed by teaching staff
- Respond to and support behavioral needs within the classroom using trauma-informed approaches
- Communicate with school personnel and residential staff to ensure continuity of care
- Document student behaviors, progress, and key observations during the school day
- Track and communicate re-groups, suspensions, and academic concerns
- Support residential staff during staffing shortages or crisis situations as needed
- Review school assignments and communicate expectations to residential staff for follow-up
- Assist with milieu coverage before, during, and after the school day
- Help maintain a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model® (safety, emotional intelligence, open communication, and social learning)
- Provide positive role modeling and build supportive relationships with youth
Background & Qualifications
Required:
- At least 20 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and safely perform physical interventions when necessary
- Alignment with Wedgwood’s Statement of Faith, vision and values
Preferred Education:
- Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Human Services
- Child Development
- Education
- Behavioral Health or related field
Preferred Experience:
- Residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
- Classroom, educational support, or behavioral health settings
- Juvenile justice or youth-serving programs
- Crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments
- Group homes, inpatient, or community mental health
Benefits Include:
- 403(b) with employer match
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Free supplemental virtual PCP care with medical plan
- Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance (up to 2x salary)
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- On-site gymnasium & 24-hour wellness center
- Tuition discounts through community partnerships
- Employee Assistance Program
- Beautiful on-campus walking trail
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