Youth Development Specialist- Per Diem Schedule

Classification: Full Time, Part Time, or Per Diem, Hourly, Non-Exempt.

This posting is for Per Diem schedules only, the expectation is a commitment to picking up at least one shift a week and to complete 25 hours of annual training. these requirements are subject to change depending on program needs.

D.A. Blodgett
- St. John's

D.A. Blodgett
- St. John's provides a continuum of care with comprehensive services, including counseling, foster care, adoption, mentoring and residential care. These programs are built on our core belief, backed by research, that as long as children can be safe, they do best when they are with their families. D.A. Blodgett
- St. John's primarily serves children, youth and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, and some programming throughout the State of Michigan. D.A. Blodgett
- St. John's is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all children, all families and all individuals.

To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.

A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.

• Exceptional Service:
  Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion:
  All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
• Excellence:
  Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
• Integrity:
  Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
• Creativity:
  Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
• Passion:
  Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.

• Nonviolence:
  Maintaining safety for all members of the community.
• Emotional Intelligence:
  Managing emotions so we don’t hurt ourselves or others.
• Social Learning:
  Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
• Democracy:
  Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
• Open Communication:
  Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
• Social Responsibility:
  Say what you mean, don’t be mean when you say it.
• Growth & Change:
  Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.

The Development Specialist is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to youth and young adults within our Campus Programs division, which includes our Independent Living program and our Residential programs. The scope of this development responsibility is quite broad. At times, the development specialist takes on a parental role, addressing the basic needs of the youth. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that each child is healthy and safe, adequately clothed and fed and that their living space is clean and orderly.

In addition to these responsibilities, the development specialist is expected to offer praise and

encouragement to the youth. They must also respond appropriately and therapeutically to challenging

behaviors that may arise. The development specialist typically achieves these objectives through verbal

de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement, guidance, and supportive direction.

At times, the development specialist takes on the role of a mentor, guiding youth in areas such as social

skills, coping skills, hygiene, basic values, spirituality, and education. The development specialist acts as a

trusted and patient adult, engaging in discussions about a young person's personal life, emotions, and

perspectives on the world.

DABSJ places a strong emphasis on building relationships between staff and youth. We believe that all

effective support efforts start with warm, caring, and meaningful connections. It is the responsibility of

the development specialist to develop these therapeutic relationships with youth, using the rapport

established to foster and encourage personal growth.

The development specialist is expected to work effectively and harmoniously as part of one or more

teams within the agency. Specific work responsibilities and schedules may vary based on team

assignments and the programs they are involved in.

• Developing and Maintaining nurturing and sound relationships with all youth, including maintenance of clear roles and boundaries
• Ensuring the supervision, health, and safety of youth
• Promoting a safe, therapeutic environment
• Learning…