Lead Youth Specialist Independent Living Plus
- Requisition Number
- 2025-11883
- Employee Type
- Full-Time
- Work Environment:
- Onsite
- Hours Per Pay Period
- 80
- Shift
- Day
- Benefits Available:
- Dental, Earned Sick Time, Employee Discounts, Holiday Pay, Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Paid Time Off, Retirement, UKG Wallet - Pre-Pay Options, Vision Insurance
- Work Hours
- 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Weekends/Holidays Required
- No
- On Call Required
- No
- Samaritas Work Location : Location
- US-MI-Grand Rapids
- Start Wage:
- USD $16.00
Position Details
Lead Youth Specialist – Full Time - Grand Rapids, MI
Lead with Purpose. Empower Youth. Transform Lives.
Do you have a passion for helping youth succeed? Join Samaritas Nation as a Lead Youth Specialist and take on a rewarding leadership role supporting adolescents as they transition from foster care to independent living in our Staff Supported Housing program.
What You’ll Do:
- Coordinate schedules and training for Independent Living Plus Youth Specialists.
- Provide coverage for shifts when needed and maintain awareness of house operations.
- Serve as a mentor and role model for youth, guiding them in daily living skills and fostering independence.
- Collaborate with program managers on performance management and corrective actions.
- Participate in treatment planning and ensure safety and well-being in the home.
What We’re Looking For:
- High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s in social services preferred.
- Experience in a group home, residential setting, or supervisory role strongly preferred.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish (or language of youth in care) preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
- Ability to provide trauma-informed care in high-stress settings.
Schedule: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pay: $16/hr + $1/hr weekend/overnight incentive, $2/hr for combined shifts
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Why Samaritas?
We’re a Michigan-based human services organization rooted in compassion and transformation. When you join us, you join a mission-driven team committed to creating ripples of positive change in the lives of those we serve.
APPLY TODAY and #BeTheRock that empowers youth and builds brighter futures!
Duties And Responsibilities
Coordinates scheduling and training for Independent Living Plus Youth Specialists (ILP Youth Specialists) and provides shift coverage as needed. Provides assistance and guidance to youth transitioning between foster care and independent living in Staff Supported Housing (Independent Living Plus program).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Create and Maintain schedules of ILP Youth Specialists in Staff Supported Housing
- Provide coverage for 2nd or 3rd shifts as needed when there are position vacancies and coverage cannot be coordinated with existing staff
- Maintain adequate awareness of house operations, house needs, and any staffing issues
- Collaborates and consults with Program Manager/Foster Care Supervisor to administer corrective actions, disciplinary steps and performance management
- Trains new ILP Youth Specialists on job tasks and responsibilities
- May provide direct supervision to ILP Youth Specialists
- Serve as a role model to youth in residence by modeling responsible behaviors, as required
- Provide guidance in daily living skills, including household chores to youth
- Monitor activities of youth to ensure their safety and well-being. Report non-compliance with house rules to the Case Manager
- Maintain communication with youth to ensure adjustment to program expectations
- Participate in “house meetings” to review house rules, plan activities or discuss other needs of house/group
- Participate in treatment planning meeting with each youth as needed or requested
- Communicate implementation of each youth’s Independent Living Plan with Independent Living Coach, Case Manager and other appropriate parties
- Maintain adequate awareness of youth’s activities to ensure the safety of the youth, other residents, staff and the home are maintained
- Report safety hazards and needed repairs within home and grounds to designated Case Manager or Supervisor. Contact Landlord for urgent needs
Qualifications
Job Qualifications
Education, Training, and Licensure/Certification
- A High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associates Degree or Bachelor's degree in social services preferred.
- Professional training in social work, social services or child development preferred.
Experience
- Experience working in a group home or residential setting preferred.
- Experience in supervisory role or child welfare setting preferred.
- Experience working with youth preferred.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish (or the Major language of the youth in care) preferred.
Additional Work Requirements
- Valid unrestricted driver’s license with good driving record. Reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting persons served; proof of current registration and automobile insurance.
#socialservices #humanservices #mentor #residential #socialwork #childwelfare #coach
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