Residential Social Worker

Wellspring Lutheran Services – New Directions, Livonia

Full-Time

Salary $46,000

Accepting applications through October 28, 2026

You build meaningful relationships with youth, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges. You collaborate with therapists, educators, residential staff, families, and community partners to create a coordinated approach to care that supports each young person's individual goals. You advocate for youth in educational, family, and community settings, helping ensure they receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

You help strengthen family involvement in treatment by encouraging communication, supporting family engagement, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection. You support youth through transitions, helping prepare them for successful discharge, community integration, and long-term stability. You provide guidance during difficult moments, help youth develop coping strategies, and contribute to plans that promote safety, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Some days you’ll be participating in family team meetings, collaborating with schools, supporting educational success, and coordinating services.

Other days you’ll be helping a youth work through challenges, celebrating progress toward goals, or providing support to families preparing for the next step in their journey. Every day, you’ll help create opportunities for growth, healing, and success.

You believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. You are passionate about helping youth and families overcome challenges and achieve their goals. You approach people with empathy, respect, and a trauma-informed mindset. You are a strong advocate who enjoys building relationships and supporting others. You thrive in collaborative environments and value interdisciplinary teamwork. You are adaptable, organized, and able to balance multiple priorities.

You believe that hope, consistency, and encouragement can change lives.

• Bachelor's degree in a human behavioral science field or related area that meets program requirements.
• At least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or child welfare populations.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth who have experienced emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Experience collaborating with families, schools, community partners, or treatment teams is highly valued.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, youth-centered care.

At Wellspring Lutheran Services, we believe every child deserves someone who believes in them. Our New Directions team provides comprehensive, trauma-informed residential services for youth with developmental disabilities and co-occurring emotional and behavioral challenges. Our program addresses each resident's whole-person needs through therapeutic counseling, educational support, life skills development, and recreational opportunities designed to help youth heal, grow, and prepare for a successful future.

This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to change lives.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee Assistance Program (Support Linc)
• Mileage reimbursement for work related travel
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment teams
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within Child & Family Services
• Meaningful work that positively impacts youth and families

Schedule…