Developmental Care Specialist – Residential Behavioral Health

Wedgwood Christian Services

. Provide direct care in a residential behavioral health program serving adolescent girls ages 12–17 with developmental disabilities .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeGrand Rapids • Michigan • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $21 - $23 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in implementing individualized treatment plans and utilizing trauma-informed approaches to support adolescent girls with developmental disabilities. Proficient in crisis intervention, behavioral regulation, and fostering positive identity formation in a residential behavioral health setting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Crisis Intervention TechniquesTrauma-Informed CareBehavioral Health StandardsMentoring Relationships

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Individualized Treatment PlansBehavioral InterventionsMedication AdministrationRecord DocumentationPhysical Interventions

Soft Skills

Healthy CommunicationProblem-SolvingRelationship BuildingMentoringTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

High School Diploma or GEDValid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Residential Behavioral HealthDevelopmental DisabilitiesAdolescent CareTrauma-Informed EnvironmentsYouth-Serving Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide direct care in a residential behavioral health program serving adolescent girls ages 12–17 with developmental disabilities
Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers
Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model
Build consistent mentoring relationships using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches
Coordinate with the Program BCBA to implement focused behavioral interventions based on applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Facilitate social interactions and conduct structured recreational, small-group, and skill-building activities
Use verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support behavioral regulation
Model and teach healthy communication, problem-solving, daily living, and life skills
Support self-worth and positive identity formation
Administer medications as assigned and support physical wellness routines
Document and maintain accurate records in alignment with behavioral health standards
Transport residents to appointments, school, court, or community activities as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

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: Applied Behavioral Analysis, Social Work (BSW in progress or completed), Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Child Development, Criminal Justice (youth focus), Addiction Studies, Behavioral Health or related field
Preferred experience in residential treatment, ABA therapy, behavioral health or mental health settings, juvenile justice or youth-serving programs, crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments, rehabilitation or recovery centers/shelters, and group homes, inpatient, or community mental health

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Generous PTO package
Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays
Employer-paid training and re-certification
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