Life Skills/Youth Treatment Specialist (Full-Time)
Full-time
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
USD 22-24 / hour
Posted on Nov 3, 2026
Life Skills/Youth Treatment Specialist (Full-Time) – Transitional Living Program
Audere Program | Youth Ages 15-18
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.
Build Life Skills and Support Youth in Their Journey Toward Independence
We are seeking a Life Skills Specialist to provide direct support and life skills education to youth in our Audere Program, a residential transitional living program serving adolescents (ages 15–18). Many of the youth in our program have never experienced consistent support or stability and are working toward building the skills and confidence needed for independent living.
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.
If you are passionate about building life skills, trauma-informed care, youth advocacy, and therapeutic mentorship, we invite you to apply.
Schedule: This full-time role combines Life Skills Specialist responsibilities (16 hours/week) with Youth Treatment Specialist responsibilities (24 hours/week).
- 4 weekdays (combination of 1st/2nd shift) and every other weekend (Saturday & Sunday, rotating 1st/2nd shift)
- Administrative day included
*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.
Compensation:
- $22-$24/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 team, you will:
Life Skills:
- 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.
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
- Ability to bend, twist, and support movement in a residential setting
- Alignment with Wedgwood’s Statement of Faith, vision, and values
Preferred Education:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Human Services
- Criminal Justice (youth focus)
- Behavioral Health or related field
Preferred Experience:
- Residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
- Behavioral health or mental 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
- Employee Assistance Program
- On-site gymnasium & 24-hour wellness center
- Beautiful on-campus walking trail
- Tuition discounts through community partnerships
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