Youth Specialist II, Independent Living Plus

Position Details

🌙 Empower Youth, Even While They Sleep: Youth Specialist – Ilp Group Home

📍 Grand Rapids, MI | 🕒 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM | 💼 Full-Time | 💰 Starting at $15/hr + Shift Incentives

Are you calm under pressure, compassionate, and committed to helping young people heal and grow? Join our team as a Youth Specialist in a Staff Supported Housing program for adolescent females transitioning from foster care to independent living.

This overnight role is more than just supervision — it’s about creating a safe, stable environment for youth with trauma histories, offering empathy, structure, and support during their most vulnerable hours.

What You’Ll Do:

• Provide overnight supervision and emotional support in a trauma-informed setting
• Respond to crises with empathy and professionalism
• Maintain a safe, structured environment that promotes healing and independence
• Document observations and incidents in accordance with program standards
• Collaborate with a team dedicated to youth empowerment and recovery

What We’Re Looking For:

• 🎓 Associate’s degree in human services or 60 college credits or equivalent experience
• 🚗 Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance
• 💙 Experience or interest in working with youth in high-stress environments
• 🌙 Availability for overnight shifts (11 PM – 7 AM)

Why Join Us?

• 💵 Starting pay: $15/hour
• 🎉 Incentives:
• $1/hour for weekend or overnight shifts
• $2/hour for shifts that qualify as both
• +$1/hour for weekend or overnight shifts
• +$2/hour for shifts that qualify as both

🎁 Competitive benefits

• 🌱 Growth opportunities in youth services and trauma-informed care
• 🤝 Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact

Welcome to Samaritas Nation!

Samaritas is a Michigan-based human service organization that connects people with families and communities, empowers them to live their fullest life possible, and creates a ripple effect of transformation. The reference to the work of the Good Samaritan in our name is especially fitting as it is consistent with our mission, values and the services our faith-based company provides.  

APPLY TODAY! #BeTheRock, creating ripples of positive transformation in the lives of those we are entrusted to serve! 

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Provides direct assistance and guidance to youth transitioning between foster care and independent living in Staff Supported Housing.

Duties And Responsibilities

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 wellbeing. Report non-compliance with home rules to the Case Manager

Maintain communication with youth to ensure adjustment to program expectations

Facilitate and /or 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

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Job Qualifications

Education, Training, and Licensure/Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• College coursework 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 working with youth preferred

Additional Work Requirements

• Valid unrestricted driver’s license with good driving record, proof of current registration and automobile insurance required; reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting persons served required

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