Youth Treatment Specialist – Residential Behavioral Health

Wedgwood Christian Services

. Provide direct care within a residential behavioral health program serving adolescents ages 10–16 .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeGrand Rapids • Michigan • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $21 - $23 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing direct care within a residential behavioral health program, implementing individualized treatment plans, and utilizing trauma-informed approaches to support adolescents in developing life skills and positive identity formation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Crisis Intervention TechniquesTrauma-Informed CareBehavioral Health StandardsIndividualized Treatment PlansMentoring Relationships

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Behavioral HealthCrisis InterventionMedication AdministrationRecord DocumentationPhysical Interventions

Soft Skills

Healthy CommunicationProblem-SolvingRelationship BuildingMentoringTeam Collaboration

Industry Keywords

Sanctuary ModelResidential TreatmentYouth-Serving ProgramsJuvenile JusticeMental Health Settings

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide direct care within a residential behavioral health program serving adolescents ages 10–16
Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers
Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model®
Build consistent mentoring relationships using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches
Utilize verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support behavioral regulation
Model and teach healthy communication, problem-solving, and daily living skills
Support youth in developing life skills, self-worth, and positive identity formation
Engage in structured recreational and skill-building activities
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
Work alongside the multidisciplinary treatment team
Work four weekdays, primarily second shift, and every other weekend on rotating first/second shifts

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: Social Work (BSW in progress or completed), Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Child Development, Criminal Justice (youth focus), Behavioral Health or related field
Preferred experience in residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
Preferred experience in behavioral health or mental health settings
Preferred experience in juvenile justice or youth-serving programs
Preferred experience in crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments
Preferred experience in 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