Youth Specialist II, Independent Living Group Home

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

Grand Rapids, MI | 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM | Contingent | 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.

• 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

• 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)

• Starting pay: $15/hour
• Incentives:
  • +$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

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

• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• College coursework in social services preferred
• Professional training in social work, social services or child development preferred

• Experience working in a group home or residential setting preferred
• Experience working with youth preferred

• 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